Animal Assisted Therapy (also known as Animal Assisted Therapies, Therapy, Animal Assisted): The use of live animals as a means of therapy.

NIH MeSH · D056447Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

Animal Assisted Therapy

Also known asAnimal Assisted Therapies · Therapy, Animal Assisted · Animal Facilitated Therapy · Animal Facilitated Therapies · Facilitated Therapy, Animal · Therapy, Animal Facilitated · Pet Therapy · Pet Therapies · Therapy, Pet · Pet Facilitated Therapy · Pet Facilitated Therapies · Therapy, Pet Facilitated

Definition

The use of live animals as a means of therapy.

MeSH classification

  • E02.760.169.063.500.083
  • E02.779.124
  • E02.831.084
  • E02.831.535.179
  • F04.754.017
  • N02.421.784.177

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Common questions about Animal Assisted Therapy

What does Animal Assisted Therapy mean in medicine?
The use of live animals as a means of therapy. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Animal Assisted Therapy known by any other names?
Yes. Animal Assisted Therapy is also referred to as Animal Assisted Therapies, Therapy, Animal Assisted, Animal Facilitated Therapy, Animal Facilitated Therapies in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Animal Assisted Therapy sit in the medical classification?
Animal Assisted Therapy falls under the broader medical category "Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: E02.760.169.063.500.083, E02.779.124, E02.831.084). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Animal Assisted Therapy?
For a plain-language explanation of Animal Assisted Therapy - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Animal Assisted Therapy" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D056447) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗