Animal-assisted therapy for emotionally hurt children
Austria
DESCRIPTION
ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR EMOTIONALLY HURT CHILDREN
The Diakonie Zentrum Spattstraße is an innovative social services organization based in Linz, Austria. It is dedicated to the treatment and support of children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families, in crises and emergency situations.
The Diakonie Zentrum Spattstraße is a non-profit limited liability company (GmbH). It is the social welfare organization of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Austria and a member of Diakonie Austria, one of Austria’s five largest welfare organizations.
Their expertise lies in the fields of social and special education, as well as medical and therapeutic care. They are committed to enabling participation and inclusion for children, adolescents, and young adults. Based on the latest scientific findings, they design innovative and needs-based programs.
Among these innovative programmes, they offer animal-assisted therapy for children suffering from emotional disorders. This inexpensive, drug-free therapy has been scientifically proven to be highly effective for vulnerable children in need of early support.
IMPACT / MAIN INDICATORS
An impact assessment is not yet possible. Expected results (supported by multiple scientific studies):
• 30% improvement in motor skills
• 87% of parents reported better social behavior
• 50% more likely to initiate eye contact/social interaction
• 40% reduction in emotional outbursts
• 20-30% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms
PROJECT
SPONSORS
Diakonie Austria
http://www.diakonie.at/ueber-uns/traeger-diakonischer-arbeit/diakonie-zentrum-spattstrasse
LOCAL
PARTNER
Selection
Duration
Project selected in August 2025
Duration : 1 year
Financed
by
Comgest Austria
COMMENT FROM THE AMBASSADOR
Sofia Schrötter and Gerald Pistracher
Some children grow up without light – surrounded by fear, instability or silence. With this project, we want to help bring back a little of that light – and make them smile again.
Because really, what’s more beautiful than an honest smile? The therapy is simple, quiet, and deeply human.
It doesn’t rely on medication, but on presence, time, and trust.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what a child needs. We chose this project because we believe in its impact – not loud, but lasting.
And because it touches something we often say but rarely think about deeply: Children are our future. That future doesn’t start at some distant point. It starts now – in how we care for children and what we give them to grow. We’re thankful to be part of this project – and to support those who do the real work, every day.