Utilization of Animals as Therapeutic Adjuncts with Children and Youth: A Review of the Literature Gerald P. Mallon Green Chimneys Gramercy Residence, New York ABSTRACT: In recent years, there has been an increasing use of pets and farm ani- mals in therapy for the emotionally ill, the mentally retarded, children, and others who suffer from isolation and loneliness. We see love, affection, touch, and nurturance of animals as a positive step in socializing troubled young people to nurturing roles in society. Assisting young people in developing positive relationships with animals and their environment can be a novel and useful approach to addressing the needs of youngsters in child and youth care. This review of the literature sets the context for examining this approach, which has particular relevance for work in residential set- tings. Approximately 61% of the households (52.5 million) in the United States have animals, and more than half of these have more than one animal (Beck, 1990). The psychological, social, and physical benefits of animal companionship have been reported for various populations. There are numerous reports in the media, the popular literature, and the professional literature about the therapeutic role of animals in children's lives. Documentation indicates that companion animals can improve the physical and emotional health of people, as well as provide companionship, reduce isolation, and possibly contribute to the development of responsible independent behavior (McCulloch, 1984; Mallon, 1991). This literature review will set the context for a discussion of the utilization of animals as therapeutic adjuncts in working with children and adolescents. Professionals in the child and youth care field are experiencing the value of using animals as therapeutic aids in treating simple prob- lems like loneliness or more complex disorders such as severe autism. In what was initially known as pet-facilitated therapy but what has Requests for reprints should be addressed to Gerald P. Mallon, Green Chimneys Gramercy Residence, 327 E. 22nd St., New York, NY 10010. Child & Youth Care Forum, 21(1), February 1992 9 1992 Human Sciences Press, Inc. 53