Location: Milford, Connecticut, United States
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.
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.
Services Offered
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Canine-assisted therapy
- Animal-assisted interventions
- Private client sessions
- Private group sessions
- School and university visits
- Corporate wellness visits
Who They Serve
Animal Assisted Therapy Services may be a good fit for:
- 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
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.