At My Therapy Services, we’re always looking for meaningful, evidence-informed ways to help children feel safe, engaged, and motivated in therapy. For some children, traditional approaches can feel overwhelming – particularly when trust, anxiety, or emotional regulation are significant barriers.
That’s where animal-assisted therapy can make a powerful difference.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-directed, structured intervention that uses trained animals as part of a therapeutic programme. In occupational therapy, AAT is never “just play” – it is carefully planned, clinically reasoned, and linked to specific outcomes.
Within OT sessions, animals can help support:
- Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
- Engagement and motivation
- Sensory processing and modulation
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Social interaction and communication
The human–animal bond often helps children access therapy in a way that feels natural, safe, and non-threatening.
Why Rabbits?
While dogs and horses are more commonly associated with animal-assisted therapy, rabbits offer unique benefits, particularly for children who are sensitive to noise, movement, or unpredictability.
At My Therapy Services, we’re proud to introduce our therapy rabbits, Bella and Bertie
Rabbits are:
- Quiet and calming
- Gentle and non-intrusive
- Ideal for children who find larger animals overwhelming
- Naturally regulating due to their rhythmic breathing and soft movement
For some children, especially those with sensory processing differences, autism, anxiety, or burnout, rabbits can be the perfect bridge into therapy.
How Rabbits Support Occupational Therapy Goals
When clinically appropriate and with consent from the setting, Bella and Bertie may be incorporated into OT sessions in homes or schools.
Rabbit-assisted OT can support:
Emotional Regulation & Anxiety Reduction
Interacting with a calm animal can lower stress levels, reduce cortisol, and help children move out of “fight or flight” and into a more regulated state.
Fine Motor & Sensory Skills
Activities such as gentle grooming, feeding, or preparing care items support:
- Fine motor control
- Bilateral coordination
- Tactile tolerance
- Sensory modulation
Social Interaction & Communication
Animals often act as a social bridge, encouraging conversation, shared attention, and interaction without pressure or judgment.
Building Rapport
For children who find it difficult to engage directly with adults, rabbits can help therapists build trust and connection. Sometimes, the rabbit becomes the first safe relationship – and therapy grows from there.
Responsibility, Gentleness & Animal Welfare
Caring for another living being helps children learn about:
- Gentleness and boundaries
- Respect for animals
- Routines and responsibility
- Empathy and nurturing behaviour
Working with Schools and Families
Some schools are happy for us to bring Bella and Bertie into sessions where appropriate, risk-assessed, and agreed in advance. Animal-assisted therapy is always carefully planned, aligned with therapy goals, and reviewed regularly.
We also ensure:
- The welfare and safety of the rabbits at all times
- Sessions are short, calm, and respectful of the animals’ needs
- Clear protocols are followed for hygiene and handling
Ethical practice is central – for both the child and the animal.
A Thoughtful, Individualised Approach
Animal-assisted therapy isn’t right for every child – and that’s okay. At My Therapy Services, we use it selectively and thoughtfully, always guided by clinical reasoning and the child’s individual needs.
For the right child, however, Bella and Bertie can make therapy feel less like “therapy” – and more like connection, curiosity, and calm.
If you’d like to learn more about how animal-assisted occupational therapy might support your child, or whether it could be appropriate in your setting, please get in touch with our team.
Sometimes, the smallest paws make the biggest difference.