Animal-Assisted Therapy

lsyorke, RN · Feb 16, 2008

I'm working on my gen. ed. requirements while holding my breath to see if I've been accepted into the ADN program for this fall, and I'm doing a research paper for Human Development/Psych about Animal-Assisted Therapy/Pet Therapy. :typing I was wondering if any of you had experience with this at your facilities. I understand that dogs, for instance, are used in all sorts of healthcare settings--LTC, hospitalized children, psych patients, etc. I have done my research and have quite a bit of info, but I'd love to hear from anyone in the trenches who has experience of this. Does your facility have a formal program? Do the patients enjoy it and benefit (as far as you can tell)? How does it work in practice in terms of cleanliness/infection considerations, allergies, visitors who happen to be around at the time? Any anecdotal information would be wonderful. Thanks so much.

We had therapeutic pet visits in the subacute that I worked, and then again in an acute care hospital. Patients absolutely loved it! The only specifics I know of were the pets had to be bathed just prior to visiting, and the nurses had to be asked about patients who were not candidates for a visit(isolation, allergies etc). I never heard of any problems with visitors. These are amazingly well behaved pets who have gone through training with their owners and had behavior screenings done.

jessiern, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2008

We don't have an offical problem, but we do have a long term patient that loves animals. My shiztu and mini schaunzer go to visit her quite often (solo, never as a duo). And our DON's yorkshire terrier pops in almost as much. Her and the staff love it, and many other patients want to have a visit if they know about it.

CHATSDALE · Feb 16, 2008

during the recent dog show they had a program honering 'ANGELS ON LEASHES'

an animal is non-judgemental never gives a burn victim a second glance, enjoys hugs and a scratch behind the ear

Scooter321 · Feb 16, 2008

Thank you all for your replies. It's one of those things that you know goes on, sounds absolutely wonderful, has lots of data available, but hearing about it from those who use it is priceless! :yeah:

QueenElizabeth2 · Feb 16, 2008

I am a nurse and I have 2 registered therapy dogs. It is very rewarding for us because it is wonderful socialization for our dogs and the patients love it. You can see their spirits lift instantly. If you are looking for more info on the training these pets receive try googling - Therapy Dogs International.

Scooter321 · Feb 16, 2008

Thanks, QE2. You see things from both sides then, being a nurse AND a therapy dog owner. Too cool! :paw: :nurse:

I had found quite a bit about training, etc., already but not about that particular society (TDI), so thanks for that too.

CaptGaston · Feb 16, 2008

I know of a horse farm near Pgh that works with kids with various disorders... they help with balance development/redevelopment. Also there are ranches out west A gal I new who was a Psych RN worked there for teens with eating disorders. I am certain a google search would reveal any such places around you.

Scooter321 · Feb 16, 2008

Thanks, CaptnGastn. I know horses are used a lot for therapy. In fact, my research shows that horses were the very first animals used this way in what they called "hippotherapy!" My in-laws back home in England spent many years volunteering at a center local to them that used horses with children with disabilities, physical and mental, and they used to talk often about how wonderful it was and what the children got out of it. I have included a bit in my paper about it but am concentrating mostly on dogs, as they are used SO much and can go to so many settings.

Thanks so much for your input. :up:

Lucy4 · Feb 17, 2008

Therapy dogs make regular rounds at the hospital where I work. Patients are always asked first if they would like a visit. Sometimes patients will come out of their rooms to see the dogs when they hear the dogs are on the unit. Very positive program and everyone is very receptive. As a nurse, I enjoy the dogs. Years ago I worked night shift on a dementia unit of a LTC facility. My dog went to work with me most nights and the residents loved him. On the occassional night when he didn't come with me, the residents would ask for him - "is he okay". My dog did become very territorial and protective of the patients. Sometimes he would follow the nursing assistants into the rooms and watch them. Overall was a good experience. Residents loved him - not so sure about the nursing assistants.

CaptGaston · Feb 17, 2008

I am pleased to read so much about users here with therapy dogs. I guess the three labs I have are my "therapy animals".