Animal-assisted therapy is all about harnessing the presence and companionship of animals to boost people’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Trained animals, like dogs, horses, and even rabbits or hedgehogs, work alongside professionals who follow strict safety and hygiene protocols. The benefits? A greater sense of security, calm, motivation, smoother communication, and easier learning and recovery.
What Happens at the Therapy Event?
On October 4, 2025, Budapest (Budapest) hosts a packed day exploring animal-assisted therapies for mental health. The event is open to anyone interested—registration and a fee are required, but all are welcome. Missed it in person? Registered participants can watch on-demand video from October 6-12.
Sessions for All Kinds of Animal Lovers
The conference kicks off with an introduction to all forms of animal-assisted intervention: which animals you can work with, where these therapies fit in healthcare, and exactly who they help. You’ll get the science behind how the presence of animals changes our minds and bodies, hands-on case studies with therapy dogs helping adults facing psychiatric and addiction issues, plus real-life examples from pediatric departments showing what a dog is actually doing among sick children.
Equine therapy is covered too, with practical Hungarian (Hungarian) models breaking down how horses support health. It’s not just dogs and horses—a notable talk at Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital’s (Kaposi Mór Oktató Kórház) Child Psychiatry Unit explains how rabbits, turtles, hedgehogs, and their friends are joining the team.
Who Earns Credits and How?
The participation fee is $61 USD; online access is $75 USD. Healthcare professionals who pass a test earn 12 credits (in fields ranging from addiction and rehabilitation medicine to pediatric and legal psychology, and more). Other health workers receive 8 points across all professions. Both formats are officially accredited.
Please note: Organizers may change the date or program without notice.
