Therapy Dog (IMAGE) Tufts University Caption Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) programs, sometimes known as therapy animal or "pet therapy" programs, are increasing in popularity, and studies have shown they can result in positive physical and mental health outcomes for human participants. But without appropriate policies in place, these programs can jeopardize both human and animal safety, according to researchers at Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction at Tufts University. Credit Dominick Reuter for Tufts University Usage Restrictions Credit required. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.