Animals have had an impact on humans since the beginning of domestication; initially only as an aid to survival or as a source of livelihood, but later – especially in the case of the dog – also as a partner and helper. The positive effects of human–animal interaction for treatment and rehabilitation purposes have been known empirically for centuries. In recent decades, there has been a relatively rapid development in the use of animals for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with varieties of handicap. These methods now have a scientific basis, are subjected to the scrutiny of scientific study, and are often coordinated by international institutions, who establish a uniform monitoring process and make recommendations. Although zoorehabilitation is not yet accepted by a number of experts, animal assisted therapy and its effects are coming into the broader awareness of the general public. Modern life has tended to separate humans from nature, and lifestyle changes have led to increasing stress and mental and physical problems. Return to nature, albeit in the form of contact with animals, mainly dogs, horses and cats, but other animals also, and substitute care for a pet in zootherapy or farm work can affect people positively.Farming therapy is a curative and preventive method that can be successfully used in education especially for children, but also adults who are socially, mentally and physically handicapped or even healthy people.