Session Description:
As animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are implemented in professional settings at higher rates than ever before, more best practices for working with therapy animals are emerging to protect all involved. Organizational data from one of the largest therapy animal organizations in the world will be presented along with recent findings in the literature related to AAI. This information will set the stage for a discussion on standards of practice that should be integrated when working with therapy animals, whether a professional partners with their own pet or works with volunteer teams to deliver their services.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to differentiate between the key terminology in the AAI field, including: animal-assisted interventions, therapy animal, service animal, and emotional support animal.
- Participants will be able to identify the key steps that must be taken to prepare clients and fellow colleagues for the provision of AAI.
- Participants will be learn how to utilize behavior charts and weekly assessments to ensure safe AAI that not only protects participants but upholds the highest standards of animal welfare.
