Use of "Non-Traditional" Animal-Assisted Interventions in Children: A Scoping Review

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are increasingly used to support pediatric health, education, and psychosocial well-being. While most research has focused on dogs and horses, a growing body of literature has examined the use of other less traditional animal species. This scoping review mapped the existing evidence on non-traditional AAI in children and adolescents. Using a Population-Concept-Context framework, studies involving participants aged ≤18 years and non-traditional AAI were identified and reviewed. Data were extracted on intervention characteristics, animal species, populations, settings, outcomes, and study design. Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions involved diverse species, including dolphins, rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, goats, cows, cats, fish, reptiles, insects, turtles, giant snails, and elephants. Studies were conducted primarily in schools, therapy centers, farms, hospitals, and residential settings. Common populations included children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, anxiety, trauma-related experiences, and other health conditions. Outcomes are most frequently related to social communication, emotional well-being, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, cognition, and physical functioning. Although favorable outcomes were frequently reported, the studies varied considerably in design, populations, interventions, and outcome measures. Because the methodological quality and risk of bias of included studies were not formally assessed, conclusions regarding the efficacy or effectiveness of non-traditional AAI cannot be drawn from this review. The findings instead characterize the scope and diversity of the existing literature and identify areas for further investigation. The evidence base is characterized by small samples, methodological heterogeneity, and relatively few controlled studies, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.