MYTH: Animal-assisted therapy and animal visitation are synonyms.

FACT: Each term describes a distinct type of therapy. Animal-assisted therapy (also called pet therapy) is a scheduled one-on-one intervention with specific short- and long-term goals. Animal visitation is a short-term intervention. Often provided in a group setting, it's aimed at improving a patient's sense of well-being and reducing loneliness. Therapy animals aren't pets; the animals and handlers are trained to provide specific patient populations with appropriate contact with animals.

MYTH: Animal-assisted therapy offers patients psycho-social benefits only.

FACT: Animal therapy can also provide physiologic benefits. For example, it can help patients improve range of motion and strength (by brushing or petting the animal), reduce the need for pain medication, and diminish signs of stress.

MYTH: Animal therapy is a modern phenomenon.

FACT: Animals were first used in a therapeutic setting in the United States in 1944. In England, however, the practice may date back to 1792, when psychiatric patients cared for rabbits and poultry at York Retreat. In 1860, Florence Nightingale noted that a caged bird might be the only pleasure for an invalid confined to the same room for years.

MYTH: Disease transmission is the greatest risk associated with animal-assisted therapy.

FACT: Disease transmission is a relatively small risk. The greatest risk involves untrained animals and unprepared animal handlers. Specific guidelines for patient selection, animal screening, and staff hand washing can help minimize the risks.

Selected references available on request.