Animal-facilitated therapy involves the bond between animals and humans as a means of enhancing treatment effectiveness. Therapy animals have an innovative role in sex offender assessment and treatment. The use of animals is recommended as a means of increasing the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral and relapse prevention sex offender program and is not a substitute for proven techniques. The therapeutic functions of the canine therapist are to normalize the setting; engage the client; build rapport and trust; reduce anxiety and blood pressure; provide a metaphor; increase perceptual, empathy, and communication skills; teach how to learn; provide an opportunity for nurturance; increase a sense of self-esteem and mastery; provide acceptable physical contact; and provide humor. Animal therapy is inappropriate if the client is allergic, is phobic, or dislikes animals. Therapy dogs that receive training and care can become important members of the sex offender treatment team. 29 references