Animal-assisted activities (AAA) enhance one's quality of life by providing opportunities for motivation, education, or recreation. Animal assisted activities are delivered in a variety of environments such as: hospitals, assisted-living facilities, hospice, and workplace well-being visits. 

Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.  Animal-assisted therapy is provided in a variety of settings, and is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function. The process is documented and evaluated.

Animal-assisted education (AAE) is a planned and structured intervention directed by educational and related service professionals with specific academic or educational goals.