Paws for a Break Questions

What is Animal-Assisted Intervention?

Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is broad term used to describe the utilization of animals in health, education, and human services in a manner that is beneficial to humans. Human-animal teams are incorporated into these services as:

• Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is structured therapeutic intervention directed and/or delivered by health, education, or human service professionals.

• Animal Assisted Education (AAE) is a goal-oriented intervention directed and/or delivered by educational and related service professionals.

• Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) is informal interaction and visitation conducted for motivational, educational, and recreational purposes. Our program falls under this category.

• Animal Assisted Coaching/Counseling (AAC) is a planned intervention directed and/or delivered by professionals licensed as coaches or counselors.

This information was provided by the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO). For more information on definitions and guidelines for animal assisted intervention, please visit IAHAIO.

How Does Animal-Assisted Intervention Help?

Among the many benefits of animal assisted intervention are:

• Decreased anxiety and loneliness

• Boosted self-esteem and self-worth

• Lowered blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health

• Improved perception of counseling services

• Participation in social interaction and engagement

Who Can Participate?

Paws for a Break is open to the entire NC State community - students, faculty, and staff are all welcome! No reservations are necessary; just stop by during our scheduled visit times.

What Should I Know Before I Visit?

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, visitation guidelines are posted at the event space. Please be courteous of fellow participants by taking turns, and if you are unsure of how to approach a dog, our volunteers are happy to offer guidance.

We prioritize a clean environment for our community. The visitation area and supplies are cleaned after every visit, and the library is cleaned by Housekeeping each weekday.

Are the Volunteer Teams Qualified?

Yes. Every volunteer team is tested and certified through their respective organization. Our current teams are registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, carry comprehensive liability insurance, and meet the health standards for visiting animals at the CVM.

Interested in Volunteering?

We are not currently recruiting new volunteers, but thank you for your interest in our program! If you are interested in becoming a therapy animal team, we recommend starting your journey with an organization such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Canines for Therapy, or Pet Partners.