The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy

Humans previously had a significantly greater connection with nature and bred animals primarily for their own benefit. Currently in today's fast-paced society, nature is being replaced by pet ownership. In some situations, people cannot have their own pets or do not have enough resources to take care of a living animal. The goal of this paper is to provide information relating to the use of small animals in the zootherapy and their impacts on clients. The use of animals for therapeutic purposes – zootherapy or animal therapy involves various forms. The most commonly used method of rehabilitation and therapeutic treatments are the use of the direct assistance of the animals. In both the broader world and in the Czech Republic, there are very widely used methods including the most well-known horses and dogs, hipotherapy and canistherapy. It is also possible to use other animal species and categories such as farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and llamas) and other more exotic animals including the use of dolphins. These are used in addition to species that we could classify as small animals and pets. It is possible to include in this group of small pets, such creatures as cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, fish, etc. For some species we briefly discuss the biology of these animals. They are also used in schools, zoos, hospitals and homes for the elderly. Homes for the elderly and hospitals can also benefit from birds (most of them already have parrots and other species). The other alternative is an aquarium with fish. The article describes the different types of zootherapies which, above all, has a positive influence on the mental and physical health of a person. The primary part deals with the use of specific types of small animals in the zootherapy. It is described in more details the use of cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, birds, and fish.