Animal Therapy

Animal therapy is an applied discipline concerned with how interactions between humans and animals can support physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. The field draws on animal behaviour science, psychology, physiotherapy principles, and occupational therapy to understand and harness the therapeutic potential of the human-animal bond. Animal-assisted interventions are used in a growing range of contexts, including mental health recovery, educational settings, care homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation programmes, and the evidence base for their effectiveness is developing alongside the professional frameworks that govern their delivery.

At Anglia Ruskin University, this three-year, full-time programme develops both your understanding of animal behaviour and welfare and your knowledge of the therapeutic frameworks within which animal-assisted work operates. You will study the science of animal cognition and behaviour, the ethical principles that govern animal care and use, and the psychological and physiological mechanisms through which human-animal interaction may produce therapeutic benefit. Alongside these scientific foundations, you will engage with the practice of animal-assisted therapy and activities, learning how programmes are designed, delivered, and evaluated across different client populations and settings.

The welfare of the animals involved is treated as a central professional and ethical concern throughout the curriculum.

Practical experience in relevant settings is an important part of developing competence in this field, and the programme incorporates applied learning alongside the academic curriculum.

Graduates from animal therapy programmes work in therapeutic and educational settings where animal-assisted practice is used, including mental health services, schools, care homes, and community wellbeing organisations. Some graduates move into animal behaviour and welfare roles, working with animal charities, rescue organisations, or veterinary practices. Others go on to postgraduate study in animal behaviour, clinical or educational psychology, occupational therapy, or related health and social care disciplines, building specialist professional qualifications on top of their undergraduate foundation.