Fur, Fin, and Feather: Management of Animal Interactions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities

Both Ends of the Leash: Animals in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, Views of Experienced Animal Trainers/handlers Working in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Research on animals in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) mainly focuses on the residents with little apparent concern for animal welfare. In the context of documented human welfare breaches in the sector the question arises - how do Australian RACF approach animal welfare. To understand animals' lived experiences in this context experienced dog-trainers with RACF employment history were interviewed. These experts were recruited using snowball sampling, with nine participating in semi-structured interviews about their experience of visiting and live-in animals in Australian RACFs. While initial inductive coding produced six themes (residents, animals, handlers, staff, facility and policy) pervasive animal welfare issues were noted. The outcomes of a subsequent, deductive, recoding using a welfare framework are reported here. Overall, with a focus on residents, and in a context of inadequate staffing, training and oversight, the interviews demonstrate systemic potential for compromised animal welfare with examples of dogs being frightened and one accidentally poisoned. These examples and the need to develop legislation and guidelines to guide safe, ethical, animal contact in RACFs are discussed.

Guidance on Minimum Standards for Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health: Delphi Expert Consensus on Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare

As interest in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) grows, there are increasing calls for the management of related health, safety, and welfare concerns for canines, providers, and clients. Existing health and safety guidelines lack empirical support and are, at times, contradictory. Welfare is increasingly prioritized; however, tools to monitor and manage welfare are underutilized and under-reported. The aim of this study was to provide expert consensus on the minimum health, safety, and welfare standards required to develop and deliver a CAP group program to adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders. Diverse AAT experts were recruited globally. Using Delphi methodology, over two rounds, 40 panelists reached a consensus agreement to include 32 items from a possible 49 into the minimum standards. Health and safety measures included risk assessment, veterinary screening, preventative medicine, training in infection control, and first aid. Welfare measures included training in welfare assessment, documentation of welfare, and flexible, individualized responses to promote wellbeing. Intestinal screening for parasites and the prohibition of raw food were not supported. Flexible and individualized assessment and management of canine welfare were supported over fixed and time-limited work schedules. Clinical practice implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.