Domesticated animals have played a significant role in the life of humans for thousands of years.
There is mounting evidence to suggest that those who keep pets are likely to benifit from various improvements in health.
Pet-facilitated therapy or animal-assisted therapy has been described as an applied science, using animals to solve human problems(Gammonley,1991).
It involves the introduction of an animal into an individual's or group's immediate surroundings, with therapeutic intent.
Pets can be used to stimulate awareness and interaction, and provide pleasure (Kalfon,1991)
Although human relationships to animals date back to prehistoric days, the experience with animals as therapeutic agents began in the United States first in 1919 when secretary of the Interior, Franklin K Lane suggested using dogs with psychiatric patients at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington DC and then in the 1940's at Pawling Air Force Convalescent hospital in Pawling, New York.
