The PACE Model of Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Process to Design and Implement Sound Clinical Practice

Abstract

The application of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) continues to demonstrate a multitude of positive effects and outcomes within the emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual realms of human well-being. The PACE Model for AAT provides a framework to assess rigor, goals, objectives, risk management, and precautions in each AAT session, and is an illustration of the ever-changing, dynamic relationship that happens during AAT sessions. Together, these four components set the "pace" for AAT sessions and include: the practitioner, the animal, the client, and the environment. The merits of the four PACE components must be considered individually, and yet together as well, as they create a reciprocal and evolving relationship that is unique at each session. Furthermore, each component in the model brings a level of skill and capacity to each AAT session called Quality of Competence (QOC). AAT sessions are strengthened or limited by the QOC and synergy of all four components; it requires both art and science to combine them and create an effective therapeutic experience. The application of the PACE ModelTM in all AAT sessions provides practitioners and administrators with a checks and balances tool for effective and efficient oversight of the design, implementation, and evaluation of AAT sessions.