To hire an animal assisted therapist in Christchurch, you must locate a registered mental health professional who holds additional certification in animal-assisted interventions. In Canterbury, these services are available through private clinics, mobile outreach providers, and ACC-funded programs, typically costing between $120 and $200 per hour depending on the practitioner’s qualifications and location.
Identifying Your Needs for Animal Assisted Therapy
Before you begin the process to hire an animal assisted therapist in Christchurch, it is vital to define the scope of the service required. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is not merely a visit from a friendly pet; it is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. In the context of the Canterbury region, this service is utilized for a wide array of needs, ranging from pediatric developmental support to geriatric care and corporate wellness.
Christchurch has seen a surge in demand for these services following the seismic events and recent global challenges, leading to a robust market of providers. However, the specificity of your need will dictate who you hire. Are you looking for a clinical psychologist who uses a dog to facilitate trauma processing? Or are you seeking an occupational therapist who utilizes equine movement (hippotherapy) for physical rehabilitation? Understanding this distinction is the first step in a successful engagement.
Directory of Christchurch-Based AAT Practitioners
Finding the right professional in the Garden City requires navigating a mix of private practices and charitable organizations. While there is no single centralized government database solely for AAT, several pathways exist to locate top-tier providers.
Private Practice Psychologists and Counsellors
Many registered psychologists in Christchurch have integrated canine assistants into their practice. These practitioners are often listed on the New Zealand Psychological Society website or Psychology Today, with specific tags for “Animal Assisted Therapy.” When searching these directories, look for professionals located in key medical hubs such as Merivale, Riccarton, or the Health Precinct in the CBD.
Therapy Dogs New Zealand and St John
For organizations looking to hire animal assisted services for schools, rest homes, or events, larger bodies like Therapy Dogs New Zealand or St John provide a different tier of service. While St John primarily focuses on visiting services (AAA – Animal Assisted Activities) rather than clinical therapy, they are a primary contact for logistics regarding animal interaction in institutional settings. For clinical therapy, you must look for independent clinicians who may be members of these organizations but operate their own private healthcare businesses.
Equine Assisted Therapy Providers
Given Canterbury’s rural geography, Equine Assisted Therapy is prominent. Providers are typically located on the outskirts of Christchurch, in areas like Halswell, Ohoka, or Tai Tapu. These require different logistical planning compared to canine therapy, as the client must travel to the facility.
Vetting Qualifications and Experience
When you prepare to hire an animal assisted therapist in Christchurch, due diligence regarding qualifications is non-negotiable. The industry is currently self-regulated in New Zealand, which means the burden of vetting falls on the client or the hiring organization.
The “Double-Qualified” Standard
The gold standard for AAT is a practitioner who holds a primary healthcare qualification (e.g., Master’s in Psychology, Social Work, or Occupational Therapy) and a secondary certification in Animal Assisted Interventions. Do not hesitate to ask for proof of both.
- Primary Clinical Registration: Check their registration with the relevant NZ board (e.g., NZ Psychologists Board, SWRB). This ensures they are bound by a code of ethics and hold professional indemnity insurance.
- Animal Training Certification: The animal involved must have passed rigorous temperament testing. In NZ, certificates from reputable bodies ensuring the dog is “Canine Good Citizen” certified or has passed specific therapy dog assessments are crucial.
Insurance and Liability
If you are hiring a therapist to come to your workplace or school, you must verify their public liability insurance. A standard therapist’s indemnity policy may not cover damage or injury caused by an animal. Ensure their policy explicitly includes the animal’s activities. Additionally, request their health and safety plan, which should detail protocols for zoonotic diseases, toileting, and emergency management.
Booking Rates and Session Structures
Understanding the financial investment is critical for private clients and organizations alike. The cost to hire an animal assisted therapist in Christchurch varies based on the setting and the funding stream.
Standard Private Rates
For private paying clients, AAT is generally charged at the same rate as standard clinical psychology or therapy, sometimes with a small surcharge for the animal’s maintenance and insurance.
- Clinical Psychology (with dog): $180 – $220 NZD per hour.
- Counselling (with dog): $120 – $160 NZD per hour.
- Equine Assisted Therapy: $150 – $250 NZD per session (often higher due to facility costs).
ACC and Funding Support
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) funds therapy for those recovering from accidents or sexual violence (Sensitive Claims). Many Christchurch therapists who accept ACC claims also offer AAT. In this scenario, there is no direct cost to the client, but you must specifically request a therapist who uses this modality when establishing your claim.
Corporate and Institutional Packages
If you are a business or school looking to hire a therapist for a day or a program, pricing is usually structured as a half-day or full-day rate. A half-day workshop in Christchurch might range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the number of facilitators and animals required to ensure animal welfare (rotations are often needed to prevent animal fatigue).
Mobile vs. Clinic-Based Services in Canterbury
Geography plays a significant role in your decision-making process. Christchurch’s layout allows for both model types, but each has logistical implications.
Clinic-Based Services
Pros: The environment is controlled. The therapist has all necessary tools on hand, and the animal has a safe, familiar space (a “safe base”) to retreat to if stressed. This is often the most effective setting for deep trauma work.
Cons: Requires the client to travel. In post-earthquake Christchurch, roadworks and traffic can still be a factor, though accessibility has improved.
Mobile and Outreach Services
Mobile therapists travel to schools, homes, or workplaces. This is increasingly popular in the satellite towns of Rolleston, Rangiora, and Lincoln.
Pros: High accessibility for those with mobility issues or severe anxiety (agoraphobia). Excellent for schools where student transport is not feasible.
Cons: The therapist cannot control the environment. There are higher risks regarding loose pets at the home, allergens, or lack of a quiet space. Furthermore, travel costs (mileage) will be added to the invoice, typically calculated at the standard IRD rate (approx. 95 cents/km).
Business Logistics: Contracts and Safety
When you finalize the decision to hire an animal assisted therapist, the onboarding process involves specific documentation unique to this niche.
The Service Agreement
Beyond the standard therapeutic contract, look for clauses regarding:
- Animal Welfare: The therapist’s right to end the session immediately if the animal shows signs of stress or illness, without penalty.
- Client Responsibilities: Rules regarding feeding, touching, and interacting with the animal.
- Allergy Management: Protocols for cleaning and dander management.
Risk Assessment
For schools and businesses, the provider should supply a RAMS (Risk Analysis and Management System) form. This document identifies potential hazards (e.g., tripping over a leash, a dog being startled) and the mitigation strategies in place. This is a hallmark of a professional business operation versus a casual volunteer service.
Conclusion
To hire an animal assisted therapist in Christchurch is to invest in a powerful, evidence-based modality that bridges the gap between traditional clinical practice and holistic healing. Whether you are seeking support for mental health recovery, developmental assistance, or corporate wellbeing, the Canterbury region offers a diverse range of qualified professionals. By prioritizing verified qualifications, understanding the fee structures, and considering the logistical benefits of mobile versus clinic-based care, you can secure a partnership that delivers safety, professionalism, and profound therapeutic outcomes.
People Also Ask
How much does animal assisted therapy cost in NZ?
In New Zealand, private animal assisted therapy typically costs between $120 and $200 per hour. However, if the therapy is funded through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) or managed through a PHO (Primary Health Organisation), there may be no direct cost to the client.
Is animal assisted therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, in many cases. If the practitioner is a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor, private health insurance policies that cover mental health usually reimburse these sessions. ACC also covers these sessions if they are part of an approved rehabilitation plan.
What qualifications do therapy dogs need in NZ?
While there is no single mandatory law, reputable therapy dogs in NZ should have Canine Good Citizen awards and specific therapy dog accreditation from organizations like Therapy Dogs New Zealand or St John. The handler must also hold a relevant human healthcare qualification.
Can I hire a therapy dog for my workplace in Christchurch?
Yes, many providers offer corporate wellness packages. These are distinct from clinical therapy and focus on stress reduction and morale. Ensure the provider has public liability insurance that specifically covers animal interactions in a corporate environment.
What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?
A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for one person with a disability and has public access rights. A therapy dog is a pet trained to provide comfort and affection to many people in clinical or community settings and does not have automatic public access rights to shops or restaurants.
Are there equine assisted therapists in Christchurch?
Yes, Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region have several equine assisted therapy providers, typically located in semi-rural areas like Halswell, Ohoka, and Marshland. These sessions usually require the client to travel to the paddock or arena.
