Scientific research has shown that interaction with an animal can provide positive physical and emotional benefits.  It can reduce stress levels and invoke a sense of well-being.

Animal-assisted therapy acts as a catalyst to motivate patients to help themselves. A child will happily take a dog for a walk, or throw the animal a ball, forgetting the pain for a little while and moving closer to going home.

Among the benefits of animal-assisted therapy are the ways it motivates children to:

• Get up, move, walk, leave their room, and play
• Participate in therapy (physical, occupational, and speech)
• Forget their discomfort or pain
• Interact more with others
• Improve their mood
• Improve their interactions with family and staff
• Do things that may be a struggle, such as eating, taking medication, or waiting

Abilities Through Agility 

ChildServe offers the Abilities Through Agility(TM) program in cooperation with Paws & Effect, a volunteer organization of specially trained pet lovers and their pets