Animal Therapies Ltd

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Animal Therapies Ltd

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Advancing the understanding, acceptance & accessibility of animal-assisted services for those in need.
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Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL) connects those in need with animal-assisted services that may prevent or help manage disability, illness and suffering. This includes people at risk of, or who are, experiencing mental illness, eye disease, hearing impairment, seizures, asthma, life threatening allergies, diabetes, fluctuating blood pressure, cerebral palsy, autism, post traumatic stress, episodic or serious medical crises, disability, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury and other physical, neurological or psychological conditions.

29/10/2026

Another pawesome event run by medibank at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre where ATL Ambassadog’s attended to interact with delegates at the International Education Conference.

Thank you to Bianca, Kenny and Pluto from Barking with Bianca and Jody and Petunia from betterdaydogs for supporting our Ambassadog program.

29/10/2026

Have you ever thought about working alongside animals to support the health, wellbeing and quality of life of others?

Whether you're just starting to explore the field or looking to turn your passion for animals into a professional career, this free webinar will provide an evidence-based introduction to animal-assisted services in Australia.

You can register here:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SOW61QapQNSZGyTzWSErUw?fbclid=IwRlRTSAVOnUZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWZkaWQWURK6foy0A1Hpb44Co7Ik8GgdiM8uFXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR554JbOuw7mdCxRWLy84HP9ThCu3TyeOfyTfrhvDotU5kzYhVU__s7dhU-9gw_aem_IW4c-LbY377ipNFQyzxOkQ #/registration

During this webinar, we'll explore:

What animal-assisted services are and the different ways animals support people.

The various career pathways and professional opportunities available.

The knowledge, skills and personal attributes needed to work safely and ethically.

Choosing the right education, training and professional development.
Animal welfare, ethics and the responsibilities of working with animals.

Risk management, insurance and legal considerations.

The importance of evidence-based practice and working within your scope of competence.

Professional standards, continuing education and joining a supportive professional community.

Common myths and misconceptions about becoming an animal-assisted practitioner.

Practical tips to help you decide whether this rewarding profession is right for you.

28/10/2026

𝗔 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻.

A small gift each month can make a lasting difference, helping Animal Therapies Ltd to continue our work today and into the future.

As a charity, we depend on the generosity of people like you.

Making a monthly donation of $25, or an amount that suits you, is a great way to support us.

Start today:
https://animalshelpinghumans.org.au/

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

28/10/2026

What does research tell us about animals and mental health?

A 2026 review published in the Journal of Global Health brings together encouraging evidence for animal-assisted therapy, part of the broader field of Animal-Assisted Services.

Researchers analysed 35 randomised controlled trials involving 2,391 adults, including people with and without health conditions.

Across the studies, participants receiving animal-assisted therapy experienced reductions in:
• Symptoms of depression
• Anxiety
• Stress

For ATL, these findings reinforce the value of continuing to build an evidence base while recognising individual needs, preferences and goals.

Quality Animal-Assisted Services should bring together appropriately qualified practitioners, thoughtful planning and a commitment to the wellbeing of both people and animals. The animal’s comfort, choice and ability to step away matter too.

Interested in finding an animal-assisted practitioner? Explore ATL’s National Directory through animaltherapies.org.au.

Read the research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42466625/
Shih and colleagues, 2026

27/10/2026

Could your project management experience help more Australians access mental health support?

Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL) is seeking an experienced volunteer project manager to help bring Animals Helping Humans Month — February 2027 to life.
This national campaign will bring together our members and their local communities through events, awareness activities and fundraising, helping people access Animal-Assisted Services they may otherwise be unable to afford.

Working closely with ATL’s volunteer CEO and leadership team, you will help turn the campaign vision into a coordinated plan—bringing together timelines, participating members, events, fundraising and communications.

We would love to hear from someone with:
• Proven project management and delivery experience.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A practical, collaborative approach.
• Capacity to contribute from November 2026 through to campaign evaluation in March 2027.
• Must not have a commercial interest in the animal assisted services sector.

You may be retired, semi-retired or an experienced professional looking to contribute your skills to a meaningful cause. Experience in campaigns, events or fundraising would be valuable; knowledge of Animal-Assisted Services is welcome but not essential.

This is an unpaid volunteer role, with the time commitment and scope agreed together before appointment.

Interested? Please send me a direct message with a brief overview of your experience and availability so we can arrange a conversation.

Know someone who could be a great fit? Please share this post or introduce us. Send your email to: [email protected]
www.animaltherapies.org.au
www.animalshelpinghumans.org.au

27/10/2026

Could working with horses support people living with dementia?

A 2026 pilot randomised controlled trial explored equine-assisted therapy within structured memory workshops for older adults with mild to moderate dementia.

Thirty-six people were allocated to a horse-assisted workshop, a traditional memory workshop or a control group. The workshops ran for eight weeks, with one 60-minute session each week. Thirty-two participants completed the study.

The researchers reported improvements in cognition, mood and quality of life in the horse-assisted group, with differences between groups particularly evident for mood and quality of life.

These are encouraging early findings, but this was a small study with no longer-term follow-up. It does not establish that working with horses slows dementia or produces lasting benefits.

For Animal-Assisted Services, the research offers a promising direction for exploring meaningful engagement and wellbeing in dementia care.

ATL support evidence-informed practice that respects each person’s preferences, alongside animal wellbeing, choice and respectful engagement.

Read the research:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol9/iss1/3/

26/10/2026

Behind every charity are people who generously share their time, knowledge and experience to help its purpose become a reality.

Animal Therapies Ltd proudly recognises Brian Zanker, Associate Professor Carlie Driscoll and Associate Professor Susan Hazel, who were awarded Life Membership at yesterdays AGM for their outstanding support of ATL and the Animal-Assisted Services sector.

Brian Zanker
As ATL’s Chair, Brian has both led the Board and brought his own network into the charity to help us raise important funds to carry out our charitable purpose. His support since our foundation has provided a strong foundation for ATL’s work.

Associate Professor Carlie Driscoll
A University of Queensland academic and researcher, Carlie has led the ATL National Scientific Research Group since ATL was established and also played a significant role in ensuring our Code of Conduct is aligned to current research and global standards.

Associate Professor Susan Hazel
ATL’s Director—One Health and Co-Chair of our very first State Based committee, Susan brings expertise in animal behaviour, welfare and ethics. Her teaching, research and animal welfare leadership help keep the wellbeing of both people and animals central to the sector’s development. Susan has been an important subject matter expert on ensuring our members act in accordance with our Code of Ethics.

Brian, Carlie and Susan—thank you for sharing your expertise, supporting our charity and helping advance safe, ethical and accessible Animal-Assisted Services.

Please join us in celebrating their contributions.

Learn more about the people behind ATL:
https://animaltherapies.org.au/about-atl/

25/10/2026

Attention Members: have you registered for tonight’s ATL AGM?

Animal Therapies Ltd’s Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, recognise what we have achieved together and look ahead.

Thank you to our members, volunteers, Board, supporters and partners for helping us advance Animal-Assisted Services and advocate for assistance animal access.

Members can access the AGM details by heading to our Members Only Events page https://animaltherapies.org.au/members-events/

25/10/2026

Major Announcement: This February 2027, Animal Therapies Ltd is bringing members and communities together for Animals Helping Humans Month—a national campaign to raise awareness of Animal-Assisted Services and help more people access support.

We’re inviting expressions of interest from members who would like to host a local event and take part in a community fundraising campaign.

Please complete our expression of interest survey if you would like to be involved:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5VBYZTQ

Together, we can help more people understand the value of Animal-Assisted Services—and turn that awareness into access to support.

animalshelpinghumans.org.au

24/10/2026

Goats, sheep, chickens, cows, pigs, donkeys and alpacas can also be involved in thoughtfully planned Animal-Assisted Services.

Depending on a person’s goals, preferences and the practitioner’s qualifications, activities might include preparing feed, helping with daily care, observing animal behaviour or practising respectful approaches.

These activities can create opportunities to explore communication, routines, boundaries and relationships. Sometimes, simply observing from a comfortable distance is the right starting point.

Responsible integration means:

• Practitioners working within their professional qualifications, with appropriate knowledge of the species.
• Selecting individual animals suited to the setting and activities.
• Giving animals choice, rest, companionship and space to move away.
• Planning for accessibility, hygiene and the safety of everyone involved.

Explore ATL’s resources and National Directory:
www.animaltherapies.org.au

Address

Willow Vale
Gold Coast, QLD
4209

Website

http://www.animaltherapies.org.au/

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