Affiliation:
1. Affiliation: University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Abstract
Abstract
A successful animal-assisted intervention (AAI) program in a hospital setting must include careful planning and monitoring. It requires in-depth knowledge of the hospital environment, training for teams beyond what is provided through registering agencies, understanding animal welfare needs and indicators, training all involved staff and volunteers, and prioritizing the safety of all involved. There is a need for AAI organizations to create standards of practice and offer professional certifications to cultivate legitimacy for AAI programs and ensure that all participants realize that animal welfare is paramount for successful and sustainable programs in a healthcare environment and beyond. These issues are explored in the following case report with examples given to help illustrate the unique aspects that must be considered when implementing AAI in a hospital setting.
Information
© The Author 2023
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