INATAA

The National Institute of Actions and Assisted Therapy by Animals - INATAA is a non-governmental organization founded in 2008 with the objective of providing the elderly and sick children with an improvement in physical, emotional and mental health through the therapeutic benefits of the human-animal relationship.

INATAA's history begins in the year 2000, with the former NGO Brazilian Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Cão Coração - OBIHACC, which worked for eight years with projects in the areas of Therapy and Animal Assisted Activities in nursing homes and hospitals. His most well-known project was the “Cão do Idoso”. It was after OBIHACC ended its activities that some professionals and volunteers involved decided to found INATAA.

The Institute is an exponent in carrying out activities and therapies with dogs. Professionals from different areas and volunteers - with or without a dog - work in administration, training and therapeutic care.

Hundreds of people, including the elderly, adults, adolescents and children, and their families, have already benefited from actions developed by INATAA in nursing homes, shelters, transit houses, companies and hospitals.

Dogs arriving at INATAA go through a rigorous selection process, carried out by veterinarians, psychologists and specialists in animal behavior. Only those who have passed the selection process will be able to work as dog co-therapists. Those selected receive special care in order to maintain their health and well-being, always respecting the limits and needs of each one. Dog tutors also receive special training that adapts them to attend hospital environments and deal with patients who are often in a state of physical and emotional fragility. The work carried out by the dogs is monitored by trainers and health professionals.

INATAA is a reference in Animal Assisted Interventions. Therefore, it constantly seeks to improve its actions through the development and application of new methods and techniques. Encourages volunteering and contributes to studies and research related to the benefits of contact between humans and animals.