Before any animal-assisted therapy session is agreed upon, certain factors are always taken into consideration. These can include:
- Safety– for the animal and all people involved (injuries, such as a fall or bites and scratches, can happen if handled inappropriately or an inappropriate animal for the therapy environment is chosen)
- Sanitation andhygiene
- Possibleallergiesto certain animals, such as pet dander
- The possibility of patientpossessive behaviours(i.e. a reluctance to part with an animal at the end of a session)
- The possibility ofattachment problemsandgrief reactions
- The possibility that recipientswill not bond with an animal at all– sometimes due to a lack of a frame of reference or level of curiosity
Since pet therapy is not necessarily whole-heartedly backed by science, there is a gap in the use of set standards for how animal-assisted intervention is conducted. Currently pet therapy sessions are conducted according to treatment and handling mechanics of those professionals involved, much of which is based on personal experience.
TheCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)has yet to receive a report of illness or infection as a direct result of pet therapy in medically controlled environments. With that in mind, training programmes and proper animal healthcare is seemingly working well and not causing problems with using this form of health assistance.
Volunteers or owners of pet therapy animals will also likely incurcosts of caring for their animal(food, veterinary care, housing etc.) in their personal capacity, and may need tofactor in any potential damage to propertytheir animal may cause during a session.
Pet therapy owners must alsomaintain open communication with treating healthcare professionalsand gain afull understanding of certain behavioural possibilities in patients, especially those in institutions who may be inclined to harm an animal (intentionally or unintentionally). There have been reports of therapy recipients placing cats in a toilet or rubbish bin (garbage bin), and others do not appear too concerned about potentially harming an animal (i.e. running over an animals’ tail with a wheelchair). If possible harmful behaviours can be anticipated, they can be better avoided within a supervised session.
FAQs
Possible allergies to certain animals, such as pet dander. The possibility of patient possessive behaviours (i.e. a reluctance to part with an animal at the end of a session)
What are the concerns with animal therapy? ›
Some of the biggest risks of pet therapy involve safety and sanitation. People who are allergic to animal dander may have reactions during pet therapy.
What are the negatives of therapy dogs? ›
There is a risk that dogs may be viewed solely as tools to provide emotional or therapeutic support rather than as individuals with their own needs and desires. This could lead to the neglect of the dog's welfare, such as ignoring signs of stress or overworking the dog.
What are the contraindications for pet therapy? ›
Contraindications to pet therapy include: • Allergic reactions. Increased anxiety around the therapy pet. Infections (including zoonosis). Risk of harm to the animal or member.
What is pet therapy and who can benefit from it? ›
Pet therapy can reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, encourage communication and socialization skills, and provide comfort during stressful times, such as during cancer treatment or after the loss of a loved one. Additionally, depression and anxiety levels usually decrease in patients who receive pet therapy.
What are the risk factors for pet therapy? ›
Sanitation and hygiene. Possible allergies to certain animals, such as pet dander. The possibility of patient possessive behaviours (i.e. a reluctance to part with an animal at the end of a session) The possibility of attachment problems and grief reactions.
What are the risks of animal care? ›
Animal handling and restraint hazards
Significant injuries and medical emergencies may result if proper procedures are not followed or precautions are not taken. Bite and scratch wounds should receive immediate medical evaluation and care due to risks of infection and rabies exposure.
Why can't you pet therapy dogs? ›
DON'T touch the dog without asking permission first.
Touching or petting a working dog is a distraction and may prevent him from tending to his human partner. The dog may be in the process of completing a command or direction given by his human, and you don't want to interfere.
What dogs can't be therapy dogs? ›
Pit bulls and other “banned” breeds can never be service animals. This is absolutely false. Even in cities or other areas where some breeds are banned, a service animal may be any breed of dog. In fact, service animals may not be excluded due to generalized fear of the breed.
What disqualifies a dog from being a therapy dog? ›
A therapy dog needs to be bomb-proof and should never shy away, startle or even start barking frantically when working. If your dog has an ingrained fear, therapy work is not for him.
During pet therapy sessions, seniors have the opportunity to spend time with friendly and gentle animals, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and a sense of isolation. Furthermore, interactions with animals can stimulate the senses, improve mood and boost physical activity.
What are the disadvantages of pet imaging? ›
PET scanning can give false results if chemical balances within the body are not normal. Specifically, test results of diabetic patients or patients who have eaten within a few hours prior to the examination can be adversely affected because of altered blood sugar or blood insulin levels.
Is pet therapy complementary or alternative? ›
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an alternative or complementary type of therapy that includes the use of animals in a treatment.
What is the science behind pet therapy? ›
For Mental Health
The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promoted the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods.
What is the goal of animal therapy? ›
Animal-assisted therapy is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function. Animal-assisted therapy is provided in a variety of settings, and may be group or individual in nature. The process is documented and evaluated.
What is the most common therapy pet? ›
1. Labrador Retriever. Labrador retrievers are arguably the most popular choice when it comes to therapy dogs. These dogs are also the most popular breed of service dogs, meaning they possess qualities that would be beneficial to those seeking out pet therapy.
How does animal therapy affect the brain? ›
Pet therapy can reduce cortisol levels in the brain, calming your mind and reducing those health issues. Spending time with pets also releases feel-good hormones, including serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin. These hormones reduce stress and sorrow, boosting your mood and increasing happiness.
What are the cons to emotional support animals? ›
There are numerous advantages and a fair amount of disadvantages to having an emotional support animal. You can get some positive social interaction, lower depression, and provide a calming atmosphere. These animals can also be costly when you consider food, vet fees, and also your time.
What are the consequences of cruel treatment of animals? ›
Physical – One of the most significant consequences of animal abuse is the physical harm that it causes to animals. Abused animals may suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, injuries, infections, and diseases. They may even die as a result of their mistreatment.
What are the disadvantages of equine therapy? ›
While equine therapy is generally considered safe when conducted by trained professionals, there are inherent risks in working with large animals, such as the potential for falls or injuries. There's also a risk of emotional distress, especially when processing complex emotions during therapy sessions.
