Animal assisted therapy is an adjunct or complementary therapy that involves the aid of animals as treatment. Animal therapy can provide a range of mental and health benefits, including, improvement of human physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for motivational and therapeutic benefits that enhance quality of life. Therapy can takes place in a variety of settings, such as, schools, health care facilities, and correctional facilities. Olive view residents had the opportunity to experience animal therapy, first hand, when therapy dogs from UCLA People Animal Connection visited!

– Junya Kayano, MD

(Pictured: Dr. Elizabeth Canales with Barnaby)