Kontakt 2014, 16(1):e51-e56 | DOI: 10.1016/j.kontakt.2013.06.001

Farming therapy for therapeutic purposesSocial Sciences - Review article

Tereza Hlušičková, Ivana Gardiánová^*

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze, Fakulta agrobiologie, potravinových a přírodních zdrojů, Demonstrační a pokusná stáj

Animals have had an impact on humans since the beginning of domestication; initially only as an aid to survival or as a source of livelihood, but later - especially in the case of the dog - also as a partner and helper. The positive effects of human-animal interaction for treatment and rehabilitation purposes have been known empirically for centuries. In recent decades, there has been a relatively rapid development in the use of animals for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with varieties of handicap. These methods now have a scientific basis, are subjected to the scrutiny of scientific study, and are often coordinated by international institutions, who establish a uniform monitoring process and make recommendations. Although zoorehabilitation is not yet accepted by a number of experts, animal assisted therapy and its effects are coming into the broader awareness of the general public. Modern life has tended to separate humans from nature, and lifestyle changes have led to increasing stress and mental and physical problems. Return to nature, albeit in the form of contact with animals, mainly dogs, horses and cats, but other animals also, and substitute care for a pet in zootherapy or farm work can affect people positively.
Farming therapy is a curative and preventive method that can be successfully used in education especially for children, but also adults who are socially, mentally and physically handicapped or even healthy people. Therapy is carried out through work in direct contact with the animals, but it is also about the process of treatment and rearing of animal of various species and breeds. Farming therapy is considered one of the most appropriate and effective means of integrating people, who are, for various reasons (external or internal) excluded from society.

Keywords: zootherapy; using of animals; farming therapy; activities with animals

Received: March 21, 2013; Accepted: June 19, 2013; Published: March 21, 2014  Show citation