AAT intervention is formally goal-directed and designed to promote improvement in physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning of the person(s) involved and in which a specially trained animal-¬handler team is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise and within the scope of practice of his/her profession. AAT may be provided in a variety of settings, may be group or individual in nature and may be implemented for persons of any age. There are specific goals for each individual involved and the process is documented and evaluated

AAA intervention is less goal-directed as specific objectives may not be planned. These interventions are more spontaneous, often no notes are taken nor records kept. AAA (Animal Assisted Activity) is provided in a more casual or leisure based way, in a variety of settings, may be group or individual in nature and may be implemented for persons of any age. Therapy work categorized as Animal-Assisted Activities includes visits with nursing home residents or hospital patients, but it can also include group activities. In these group situations, interaction with the dog is encouraged along with discussion among the members of the group. A dog can provide lots of conversation fodder by performing agility stunts, obedience demonstrations, or simply by being a cute, well-behaved animal. Residents may pat or groom the dog as part of a session. Walking the dog may also be included in AAA.