Animal Assisted Therapy Services
Milford, Connecticut
Animal Assisted Therapy Services is a nonprofit animal-assisted therapy program in Milford, Connecticut, that provides equine-assisted therapy, canine-assisted therapy, and other animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with physical, cognitive, or psychosocial disabilities. The program uses a broader animal-assisted therapy model rather than offering horses as a stand-alone service.
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Canine-assisted therapy
- Animal-assisted interventions
- Private client sessions
- Private group sessions
- School and university visits
- Corporate wellness visits
- Children with physical disabilities
- Adults with physical disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with psychosocial disabilities
- Clients who benefit from equine-assisted therapy
- Clients who benefit from canine-assisted therapy
More about this center
About This Program
Animal Assisted Therapy Services, also called AaTs, was founded in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The program focuses on structured, goal-directed animal-assisted interventions designed to support physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being through work with horses, dogs, and small animals.
The organization was founded by Chris Patella, a certified PATH therapeutic riding instructor, and is co-directed with support from Beth Patella, a licensed social worker. Its mission centers on helping children and adults experience the benefits of the human-animal bond as a therapeutic intervention.
Facility and Setting
Animal Assisted Therapy Services is based in Milford, Connecticut, and serves the greater New Haven area. The program operates as a nonprofit therapeutic service using multiple therapy animals in structured intervention settings.
- Milford, Connecticut location
- Nonprofit animal-assisted therapy program
- Equine, canine, and small animal interventions
- Founded by a PATH therapeutic riding instructor
- Serves children and adults through personalized therapeutic services
What Makes Them Unique
Animal Assisted Therapy Services stands out for combining equine-assisted therapy with canine-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted interventions within one program. That gives clients access to a broader therapeutic model than a horse-only program.
The program also offers services beyond individual sessions, including group visits, school and university programs, and workplace wellness visits.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Jun 2026 Suggest an edit
Location
Milford, Connecticut 06460
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.