History of Zootherapy and Felinotherapy in Slovakia

Zuzana Molnárová

Zootherapy (Animotherapy) – Development Context

Zootherapy, in the Slovak context often referred to as animotherapy, began to develop more significantly after 1989 in connection with changes in social services, healthcare, and special education.

The development was not centralized and proceeded along several parallel lines:

• within social service institutions

• within non-governmental organizations

• within educational activities

The strongest representation was achieved by:

• canisterapy

• hippotherapy

These forms were gradually methodologically developed and organizationally stabilized.

Felinotherapy was minimally represented during this period and was not systematically developed.

Felinotherapy – Emergence and Documented Development

Felinotherapy appeared in Slovakia later, approximately after 2000. Its development is linked to specific institutions and initiatives and did not follow a centralized model.

Introduction into Practice (since 2009)

A documented milestone is the year 2009, when felinotherapy was introduced at the Residential Care Home in Kremnica.

The introduction of felinotherapy in this institution took place in connection with the professional activities of the Independent Breeders’ Club (NCHK). A representative of the Kremnica facility attended a conference on zootherapy organized by NCHK in May 2009, after which the institution received the methodology and standards of practice for felinotherapy developed by NCHK.

Based on this, the institution:

• developed its own methodology

• integrated cats into both structured and spontaneous activities

• further developed its practice based on additional experience

Felinotherapy was not a one-time activity but became part of the daily life of clients.

Parallel Development Lines

Further development of felinotherapy proceeded in a decentralized manner.

One documented line is the activity of:

• OZ Felinoterapia (Nová Dubnica)

• associated with Ms. Viera Hajnalová

This line focuses primarily on:

• work with children and young people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC)

• practical application of felinotherapy

Activities are presented publicly through the organization’s programs and projects.

Professional Connections

Felinotherapy in Slovakia is partially connected through:

• NCHK (Czech Republic)

• IFA (international scope)

Current Situation

Felinotherapy in Slovakia:

• is not centralized

• has no unified methodology or governing body

• is carried out mainly by:

  • individuals

  • small organizations

  • specific institutions

In public and professional materials, felinotherapy is often included within the broader framework of:

• animotherapy / AAI (Animal-Assisted Interventions)

Compared to canisterapy, it remains:

• less widespread

• more dependent on individual initiatives

Broader Context of Animotherapy

Organizations operating in the broader field of animotherapy are also active in Slovakia.

An example is:

• Zvieratá a ľudia navzájom

• founder: Bc. Slávka Dupláková

The organization presents itself as:

• a professional organization focused on education and practice in animotherapy

The organization is a member of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations.

In its public materials, it states:

• orientation towards AAI

• use of professional terminology

• educational and practical programs

These activities belong to the broader field of animotherapy / AAI and cannot automatically be considered part of the history of felinotherapy as a distinct field.

Summary

• Zootherapy in Slovakia has developed since the 1990s in a decentralized manner

• Canisterapy and hippotherapy hold a dominant position

• Felinotherapy emerged later and remains less widespread

• Its development is primarily documented:

  • in Kremnica (since 2009, in connection with NCHK activities)

  • within the activities of OZ Felinoterapia

• It represents a pluralistic field without centralized governance