Feasibility of obtaining a facility dog for therapeutic support
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Introduction: There is a current lack of mental health practice models in occupational therapy (OT). Pediatric clients oftentimes are challenged with stress and anxiety related to participating in therapy. The state of clients' wellbeing during session significantly impacts their engagement in therapy, which could then affect their treatment outcomes. Literature Review: Studies have found that the presence of an animal in therapy sessions can reduce clients' anxiety and increase their motivation to participate. Animals are used for a variety of therapeutic purposes that could be groundbreaking for clients' success and wellbeing. Many occupational therapy practitioners do not utilize animals in their practice due to lack of education and awareness on the standards and differences of animal-assisted services (AAS). Methods: The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) is to develop a comprehensive and free resource on the constructs affecting implementation of facility dogs in a pediatric therapy clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of the project that included therapists, therapy managers, child-life specialists, dog handlers, social workers, and research scientists from university clinics and departments. The information gathered from the interviews was analyzed for key themes. Results: This project examined the integration of animal-assisted services (AAS) in pediatric therapy clinics finding liability, ownership implications, and cost analysis to be essential. Discussion: Although cost and time analysis are crucial to consider in this process, feasibility of implementing a facility dog program ultimately depends on volition of individuals to participate and maintain requirements and regulations needed. A successful integration of a facility dog cannot be achieved without people willing to train, implement, and maintain necessary standards. Regardless of the objective information reported directly from multiple interviews, observations, and resources, bias remains a form of limitation being that I am an interested student. Conclusion: This project explores the complex considerations involved in integrating facility dogs into pediatric therapy clinics, including liability, terminology, outcomes, and funding. Findings emphasize the need for practitioner education and call for further research on long-term impacts and program sustainability to ensure effective and ethical use of animal-assisted services.
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