Animal-assisted therapy brings animals into direct contact with people to boost physical, mental, and social well-being. Whether it’s helping patients recover, navigate rehabilitation, learn, or just feel supported mentally, animals provide comfort, a sense of security, calm, and motivation. Many find it’s easier to communicate and open up in the presence of a friendly creature. These sessions use specially trained animals and professionals, with strict hygiene and safety procedures in place.
Animal Therapy Event Details
The Animal-Assisted Therapy in Treating Mental Disorders event takes place on October 4, 2025, at 12-14 King Coloman Boulevard (Könyves Kálmán Blvd.), Budapest. If you prefer participating remotely, video recordings will be available from October 6 to October 12. Anyone interested can sign up in advance—just pay the participation fee of around $60 for in-person attendance or $73 for online access.
Deep-Dive Lectures
The lineup covers everything about animal-assisted interventions: types, fields of application, target groups, animal species involved, and healthcare regulations. There are sessions on the psychophysiological background and mechanisms of action in animal-assisted interventions. Practical talks include dog-assisted therapy for adults with psychiatric and addiction problems, canine therapy in pediatric wards, and the role of horse therapy in healthcare, including local Hungarian models. Plus, a fascinating glimpse at how rabbits, turtles, and hedgehogs support psychiatric pediatric therapy at Maurice Kaposi Teaching Hospital (Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital).
Professional Credits for Attendees
Doctors, dentists, and clinical psychologists can earn 12 credit points upon completion, with a test. The program is accredited for a wide range of specialties, such as addiction, pediatric medicine, occupational health, legal psychology, and more (accreditation number: PTE Medical School/2025.II/00162 [PTE ÁOK/2025.II/00162]). Healthcare staff in all disciplines receive 8 credits. The training is available as optional theoretical education for those with other specializations.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
