Promoting the General Welfare of Therapy Rabbits and Guinea Pigs in Animal-Assisted Interventions with Youth

Abstract

Abstract This case study focuses on rabbits and guinea pigs for AAI (animal-assisted interventions) sessions with youth due to their popularity as household pets and potential suitability for therapy work. Rabbits are consistently listed among the top three on the list for most popular pets in the world. Guinea pigs are consistently ranked in the top ten on the list (Bryant, 2023). Animals play an important role in the lives of children (Jalongo, 2022). The rabbits and guinea pigs are species that offer an alternative to interacting with dogs, during an AAI session, especially for those children allergic to them, who have had negative experiences or that have cultural concerns. The responsibility of the practitioner is to primarily ensure the welfare of the rabbit or guinea pig during an AAI session, especially with youth. By following best practices for managing youth interacting with the therapy animals, they are also protected. The practitioner needs to know the stress signs for rabbits or guinea pigs they are working with and take measures to mitigate those or remove the animal from a negative situation during an AAI Session with Youth. These stress signs and strategies to avoid stress issues will be discussed. In general, AAI practitioners need to safeguard the environment, establish guidelines for the session and manage unwanted behaviors of participants with positive strategies (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [RSPCA], n.d.). Information © The Author 2023