*4.1.5. Therapy with small animals*

motor and cognitive functions in therapeutic purposes. The dolphin is one of the most important animal species that provide them. There are two main reasons for choosing the dolphin in therapy session when compared to other species: the first is the dolphin's intelligence and learning style and the second is water as stress reduction [45]. On the other hand, there are also some difficulties or disadvantages to working with dolphins. Researchers suggest that the dolphin has some risks due to the fact that it is not a domestic animal, the results of evidence-based studies are very low, and treatment conditions come

Dolphin-assisted therapy is commonly used in people with head injuries, schizophrenia, cancer, or other chronic diseases for improving both gross and fine motor skills, developing sensory integration, and increasing communication skills. Nathanson et al. indicated that measurable improvement was observed in the functioning in children with autism spectrum disabilities when dolphin therapy was conducted 5 days per week for at least two weeks [49]. It is suggested that the dolphin should be used as a supportive therapy in the healing and

One of the animals frequently used in therapy by professionals working in various fields is the dog to improve the physical, cognitive, functional, and social skills of individuals. The most important areas of use are autism spectrum disabilities in children and visually impaired individuals [50]. Many studies mentioned that the degree of independence in daily living activities improved when using dogs as a therapy companion [50, 51]. It is observed that dogs, one of the most important parts of AAT, interact better with people than other animals [6]. Dogs are highly preferred by experts because they are both AAA and AAT suitable for use in

Dogs are often preferred for both children and adults in therapy because they are friendly, sympathetic, obedient, and playful. They are also used as a guide for the blind, as walking aids for physically challenged, and a hearing assistance for the deaf. Many studies have shown that dogs offer vital benefits in terms of reducing functional disability and facilitation of communication and interaction in humans [38, 52]. Therefore, it is important to remember that dogs can be used for animal-assisted approaches toward therapy, primarily for all ages

Cats can often help in both AAA and AAT like the dogs [53]. They are free spirited and can interact with humans and provide sensory and emotional support to individuals. Due to these characteristics, cats have shown that they especially affect individuals' well-being and quality of life positively [6]. It is known that they can be easily used in supplied everywhere as well as in the living space of the individual. However, it can be said that the most common disadvantage of using cats in therapy is their allergic furs [54]. It is therefore necessary that the therapist who applies the animal-assisted approach to patients has to understanding and

know the patient's allergic conditions and chronic diseases.

motivational aspects as well as the positive aspects in human beings.

with very high costs [48].

98 Occupational Therapy - Therapeutic and Creative Use of Activity

*4.1.3. Therapy with dogs*

therapeutic approaches.

and patients with diagnosis.

*4.1.4. Therapy with cats*

Pets that are described as small pocket animals, feathers and furs of varying lengths, color, and characteristics that vary in appearance are categorized in this section. Small animals consist of fish, birds, hamsters, turtles, and rabbits, which can be found easily in the classrooms, offices, or schools rather than other large animals. OTs can benefit from the use of these animals in the development of activities in areas requiring community participation.

These animals often carry on with their lives as an ordinary part of the circle. But at this time, it is especially used in therapeutic approaches for both children and psychiatric patients in terms of learning to take responsibility for animals [43, 55]. These animals have a disadvantage in terms of the limited span of life (2–5 years) which can hamper rehabilitation process [56]. Although these animals are preferred in performing small tasks in AAA, the number of studies in the literature is inadequate.
