Determining consistency in the attitudes and actions of providers of animal-assisted services regarding their alignment with standards and ethical practice

Abstract

Abstract The current mixed methods study sought to investigate the actual as well as the perceived practices and alignment with animal-assisted interventions (AAI) ethics and standards of mental health practitioners that partner with an animal in their practice. While the quantitative findings suggested awareness and integration of standards and ethical practice, the qualitative results painted a somewhat different picture. Qualitative findings suggest a great deal of inconsistency in the attitudes and actions of practitioners regarding their alignment with standards and ethical practice. These inconsistencies are explored and then followed by specific recommendations regarding training and education, supervision, informed consent practices, documentation, and humane treatment for animal partners.