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In 2007, the Delta Society with the financial assistance of Ernst & Young and working with physiotherapists at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, developed a model project that involves using an accredited Delta Dog and (its owner) and incorporating them in a patient's fundamental long term rehabilitation treatment.

Since then the program was launched in May 2008 with the assistance of NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher (click here to read about the launch)

Animal assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as provide educational and motivational effectiveness for participants.  AAT can be provided on an individual or group basis.  During AAT, therapists document records and evaluate the participant’s progress.

THE PROGRESS SO FAR....

  • We have had some excellent results, which otherwise may not have been achieved with these patients. 
  • Patients are selected by physiotherapists to be involved in AAT.
  • Patients are chosen where physiotherapy alone has proven to be difficult due to the child’s inability to understand the benefits physiotherapy will have for them, due to their age or cognitive ability.  
  • The session includes a volunteer and their dog from Delta Society Australia.
  • The sessions take place with the child’s treating Physiotherapist, in the Physiotherapy Gym, working towards the child’s regular goals.
  • The sessions are under the guidance of the physiotherapist, but the dog is there to assist in motivating the child to reach the child's goals.    
  • The same Delta dog will visit the same child once a week for a physiotherapy session.
  • Other regular physio sessions may continue without the dog’s involvement.
  • We have involved approx. 15 children in this therapy to date.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead are the first hospital in NSW to particpate in this model program.

This program is ongoing and is benefiting children who otherwise prove challenging in physiotherapy sessions and therefore not reaching their rehabilitation goals.
Delta Society Australia Ltd
Suite 401, 64 Castlereagh Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9231 3218 • Fax: (02) 9223 2382 • Email: hollee@deltasocietyaustralia.com.au
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