What to do: ED physician brought dog to work

[skinzvictory]

I am a student completing my clinical hours in the ED. There is a "box" that the MD sit in to chart" This is pretty open for all to see.I noticed that the physician brought a dog crate in and kept the dog a small terrier with him all day.. The dog was very good and never once barked, and everyone was picking her up.. It was pet therapy for staff, but my concern is for any patient who may be allergic to dogs and violation of the infection control policy. What would you do?

[OCNRN63, RN]

It doesn't impact the discussion at all.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

I have worked at facilities that have pet visiting hours. I once had an order for "Have dog visit stat". I loved having the pets come everyday. We had restrictions of birds and reptiles being out of patient care areas. The animals had to have proof of vaccinations and health. I personally used to bring my dog for pet days at local hospitals and LTC facilities. Everyone loves a weimaraner....the sesame street dogs.

Having a dog in the department has no bearing of the function or running of the department. If the animal was quiet and under control. It is not in the patient areas nor did it follow the MD room to room. If the staff wash their hands there is not "infection risk. As long as the dog was not defecating, urinating in the department, lying on the sterile field, and covered with fleas....no health risk is present.

Now depending on the policies of your facility you need to make a decision. Bear in mind...the MD brings revenue. You are a guest in that department and frankly it is not your concern. Are you prepared for the fire storm that may accompany your intervention by the medical staff?

Look before you leap....

My favorite expression: "Is this the hill you want to die on?" (Or is it, "Is this the hill on which you want to die?")

[lub dub]

How about if a nurse had brought a dog to work? Would anybody have said anything about that?

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I'm in the minority here, apparently. Service dogs, yes. Pet therapy in specific instances for patients, yes. Someone (anyone) bringing in a pet just because they want to? Uh, no. I think it's unprofessional and unnecessary.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

The two above posts>>>> "like' doesn't seem like enough!

[SionainnRN]

I'm in the minority here, apparently. Service dogs, yes. Pet therapy in specific instances for patients, yes. Someone (anyone) bringing in a pet just because they want to? Uh, no. I think it's unprofessional and unnecessary.

And how do you know this wasn't a therapy dog? Just because the rationale wasn't shared with the OP doesn't mean there wasn't a legit reason for the dog to be there.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

And how do you know this wasn't a therapy dog? Just because the rationale wasn't shared with the OP doesn't mean there wasn't a legit reason for the dog to be there.

This.

The OP has to remember what capacity they are in; however, having such a "concern"; I say to tread lightly-sometimes being in a guest position gives one FAR less information, just speaking from experience...

[lub dub]

This.

The OP has to remember what capacity they are in; however, having such a "concern"; I say to tread lightly-sometimes being in a guest position gives one FAR less information, just speaking from experience...

Therapy dogs are not kept in crates. They are kept on leashes, interacting with their owner & the immediate environment.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

While I do think it's unprofessional and inappropriate to have your pet at work with you, this would not be "the hill I would die on" so to speak.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

How do you think those immunocompromised patients often end up readmitted to the hospital? Through the ED!

And do you realize what/who they are coming in contact with in the waiting room? Who used the bathroom right before them? A dog, in a crate, separated from them is one of the least of their concerns.

[Spangle Brown]

Therapy dogs are not kept in crates. They are kept on leashes, interacting with their owner & the immediate environment.

Only if they are working at that moment. During their off times, who knows if they are crated. If it's owner was busy doing other things, I doubt he/she it was working at that moment.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Therapy dogs are not kept in crates. They are kept on leashes, interacting with their owner & the immediate environment.

I don't know the ins-and-outs of this, so there is a good chance I am wrong…what about service dogs meant to "predict" a seizure by its owner? Do they have to be on a leash or is it sufficient to have them in a crate at the owner's side?

[Spangle Brown]

I would also wonder whether he could argue it was a service dog. You don't actually need any proof that a service dog is a service dog or what function they function in. A hypochondriac that I knew from grade school bought a husky for her service dog because she wanted both a husky and a service dog since sixth grade and is now attempting to train cats as service animals despite our state not recognizing cats as service animals and the disabilities act changing the wording to dogs. Basically, any dog can be a service dog even if it is not.

I have an issue with this. The fact that anyone can claim a pet is a service animal, when it is just a pet. This demeans those that are actually in service. It's kinda like parking in the handicap zone with a fake permit. It should not be allowed. The fact that it is happening, means that something should be done. I for one believe all service animals should be certified by the trainer, as part of the cost of training the animal and they are put in a data base, and given a photo ID that can be shown IF ASKED. This should be no different that having the blue handicap sticker/place card on the car before parking in handicap. No offense meant, just keeping everyone honest.

Seems like it should be no ones business. But we have laws that don't allow animals in certain places, and we have laws that allow service animals IN those same places. A restaurant owner can get in trouble for allowing a dog in, that isn't a service animal. The owner could claim it was a service animal, but to the police claim no one asked, etc. The restaurant owner would be the one in trouble. IT shouldn't be an issue. It should be expected when they walked in, that they would have to show proof and it be no big deal.