Zoo Therapy Forum Discussion

@CaringBrit

Some other forms of alternative therapy are art and music therapy. Previously there was a discussion about music therapy and what some of its benefits could be. I think maybe in the way that animals allow some people to cross barriers and start making progress they might not have otherwise, music can also act as a bridge for many people. In particular, creative people might find this preferable to an activity they don't feel as connected to. Art therapy is likely similar in this way, and both can allow participants an opportunity to vent or let go of some frustration/tension...in this way, these therapies could provide a sense of catharsis.

I am not really familiar with what other types of therapy are out there and am interested to hear what other people might have expereinced or heard about.

@CaringBrit

I think the major thing that makes it hard to access zootherapy is the cost of it...I have looked into equine therapy and was never able to afford going, with the first visit being close to $200 and shorter sessions still being over $100. I've never looked to see how much dolphin assisted therapy would cost but I would imagine that's extremely expensive.

The cost of maintaining a pet's health can also be a deterrent to having one. My cat Bruce had a pancreatic attack last month and thankfully my Mom offered to pay his vet bill...otherwise he would be gone :/

Transportation or mobility issues might also prevent people from trying different types of zootherapy if transportation is hard to arrange or they have difficulty in getting around. An in-home service might help people in these situations, but it might also be costly depending on if there was some kind of public program to support it.