Information on Animal Helpers

Animals can make all the difference to the lives of disabled people, and often in very practical ways. Dogs, horses and monkeys have been trained to provide assistance to those with physical disabilities ranging from immobility to blindness. Animal helpers provide their human companions with more independence.

  1. Dogs

    • Dogs are the best-known animal helpers, particularly for people who have lost their sight or hearing. Guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf are the most common service dogs. Other canines carry out a range of tasks such as carrying items, pushing wheelchairs and alerting others when their owner has a seizure.

    Monkeys

    • Capuchin monkeys act as live-in companions for people with physical impairments such as quadriplegia. The monkey's intelligence and dexterity enables it to do everyday tasks such as opening doors, turning lights on and off and inserting CDs.

    Horses

    • Horses provide therapy in "riding for the disabled" programs; these programs help people regain confidence and self-esteem. Horses also perform jobs similar to that of dogs. Miniature horses work as guide animals when dogs are unsuitable.

    Other

    • Animal helpers for the disabled must belong to a species amenable to training and be reasonably intelligent. They also need to be a suitable size. Rats, for example, are simply too small to provide much practical assistance. Pigs, ponies and some birds are employed as animal helpers.