Poster 26

The purpose of this critical review is to document and describe the current state of the profession of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) as it exists in Canada. Since the seminal work of Dr. Boris Levinson in the 1960s, who has been credited as the father of AAT, this novel approach and profession have thrived, spawning numerous training programs, associations, research studies, articles, books, programs and services. However, the majority of these initiatives appear to be American; similar Canadian equivalents are underdeveloped, lacking in visibility, or non-existent. The lack of credibility and fragmentation of the field are further compounded by the lack of any unified national body representing these professions, meaning very little accessible information is available. Past attempts at developing such an association or organization, such as the Human-Animal Bond Association of Canada and the North American Association of Pet-Facilitated Therapists, have failed, leaving the profession and its adherents without much direction.

However, a number of noteworthy initiatives deserve recognition. The field of Zoothérapie, as AAT is known in Québec, has been promoted for over 30 years, and boasts a number of certificate programs as well as two professional associations. There also exist training programs in EFP offered through independent practitioners or associations across the country, and a working committee governed by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association is currently developing national-level standards and guidelines for the practice of Equine-Facilitated Mental Health. In spite of these (and other) advances, more work clearly needs to be done at municipal, provincial and national levels. The development of provincial and/or national associations is strongly recommended in order to inform the public and potential clients about AAT and EFP, educate government and third-party payers about this profession, as well as help guide the work of professionals practicing in this therapeutic modality.