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ABSTRACT
Animals have positive effects on humans. The effect of human-animal interaction has been rigorously researched, showing a wide variety of benefits. The animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital has recorded over 55,000 therapy dog visits as of 2014. Until recently, most AAT research has been qualitative. The AAT Program Coordinator desired to measure the effects of the program quantitatively. Literature searches probed for validated studies to replicate, and a viable clinical question was identified with librarian assistance. This institutional review board–approved protocol measures and studies physiological variables and stress biomarkers in children before and after an AAT visit.