People spending thousands of dollars for DAT, could spend just as much on other animal therapy, such as interactions with horses or dogs, or simple water therapy. The only reason to single out DAT from other Animal Assisted Therapy is to advance a general agenda against having dolphins under human care. There is no scientific evidence that DAT participants put themselves or the dolphins at any greater risk of injury or infection than many other aquatic activities. In fact, swimming at some beaches is probably more dangerous! Participants are certainly no more at risk of inter-specific "infections" that people who work with horses or dogs or swim at the beach. Granted, facilities differ exponentially in quality of care given to both dolphins and guests. If you are motivated by dolphins, more so than horses or dogs, please seek out a facility that is an Alliance member is certified by some other agency/organization for their strict standards of care and safety.