Oregon Coast Therapy Animals (OCTA) is dedicated to bringing comfort and healing to those in need through the miracle of the human-animal bond. We envision a world where animals are highly valued as healers and essential contributors to human well-being. We specialize in training and supervising skilled handler/animal teams who work closely with the professional staff of care-giving facilities sponsoring animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activity (AAA) programs.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
AAT is a tool used by a healthcare provider in cooperation with other methods to promote improvement in human, physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning. OCTA uses AAT to motivate clients to achieve goals such as improvement of fine and gross motor skills, standing balance and wheelchair skills; increased verbal interactions, attention skills and self-esteem; reduced anxiety and loneliness; improved memory, attention span and knowledge of concepts; and improved interactions with others and willingness to be involved in group activities. An example of AAT is an OCTA team working with a physical therapist to help a client reach specific treatment goals.
What is Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA)?
AAA enhances the quality of life of those we visit through the motivational, educational and/or recreational benefits of spontaneous human-animal interaction. OCTA uses AAA to teach empathy; help clients focus outwardly rather than on their problems; promote nurturing skills; build a non-threatening relationship of mutual trust or a feeling of connection to another living thing; promote a feeling of nonjudgmental acceptance; enhance socialization and interaction between clients, staff and visitors; increase mental stimulation; provide non-threatening physical contact and increase physiological benefits such as lowered heart rate and blood pressure. An example of AAA is an OCTA team's visit to people in an assisted living facility, shelter or school.
OCTA places a strong emphasis on adherence to a rigorous set of values which guide all of our actions.We are registered with the State of Oregon as a non-profit corporation and received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a public charity from the IRS in March 2005.
We invite you to browse through our website to learn more about OCTA. There's also information on how to become a member and a photo gallery showing our animals at work. Be sure to check out our book, Elwood, A Dog With Heart and, if you can, make a donation to help us continue this rewarding work.
Oregon Coast Therapy Animals was established in June of 2004, Lincoln County, Oregon
