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Raw Z, Collins JA, Burden FA. What Is a Working Equid? Analysis of Current Terminology and a Suggested Definition. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2026. [PMID: 39061488 PMCID: PMC11274063 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equids are engaged in myriad types of work across the world, with contexts and industries varying widely between high-, middle- and low-income countries as classified by the World Bank. Through a comprehensive abstract search and literature review, we examined the usage and context of terms associated with working equids in high-income countries (HICs), upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), and low-income countries (LICs). Analysis showed that the search term used was significantly associated with World Bank country income classification. All search terms except two returned a significantly higher number of papers for higher-income countries compared to lower-income countries. The two exceptions were "working equid" and "draft equid", which returned significantly more papers for lower-income countries than higher-income countries. Both terms also returned papers from high-income and upper-middle-income countries, but these were always in the context of low-resource settings and rural or marginalised communities, of which we provide examples in the discussion. We propose that the term "working equid" should be used to describe "any equid engaged in physical labour that provides a significant or direct contribution to the economic livelihood, sustenance or support of the owner/user's family, typically within a low resource setting". Our review highlights the intricate interplay between socioeconomic factors and examines how equids are described in the literature. The lack of a universally accepted definition leads to challenges in policy formulation, resource allocation, and welfare standards development, particularly in LMICs and LICs where working equids are crucial to livelihoods. This study underscores the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to terminology, advocating for future research to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps in understanding working equids globally. Such efforts are vital for equitable and effective welfare standards and policy development for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Raw
- Bristol Veterinary School, Langford House, Dolberry, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Joseph A. Collins
- The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, Knockardbane, Mallow, P51 PH29 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Faith A. Burden
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Weston, Sidmouth EX10 0NU, UK;
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Delanoeije J, Deschodt M. Research Gaps Concerning Human-Animal Interactions and Animal-Assisted Services in Nursing Homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104916. [PMID: 38246593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Joni Delanoeije
- Work and Organisation Studies, Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven, Belgium; Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen), Belgium; International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO), Global
| | - Mieke Deschodt
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium & Competence Center of Nursing, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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Hill J, Gui J, Moodley K, Driscoll C. Understanding the experience of assistance dog providers supporting people with disability: an exploratory study. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38821114 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2354512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assistance dogs can provide many health and wellbeing benefits to people with disability, however challenges remain. Assistance dog providers provide crucial support to assistance dog handlers, however limited literature exists exploring their experience working with people with disability. This study aimed to understand the experiences of assistance dog providers working in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve assistance dog providers participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. RESULTS Five themes emerged describing the participant experience. Theme one discussed instances of discrimination experienced by assistance dog handlers, stemming from the lack of public awareness. Theme two captured the inconsistencies regarding the training of assistance dog providers with a specific focus on the gaps in the disability specific knowledge. Theme three emphasised the lack of clarity regarding legislation outlining the training requirements of assistance dog providers and the public access rights of the handlers. Theme four emphasised funding barriers, and theme five discussed barriers to interprofessional collaboration between assistance dog providers and allied health professionals. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to understanding the current barriers experienced by assistance dog providers and assistance dog handlers, as well as the legislative changes required to better support people with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hill
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessie Gui
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kiara Moodley
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carlie Driscoll
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Rodriguez KE, Rispoli M, Kelleher BL, MacLean EL, O’Haire ME. The effects of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1355970. [PMID: 38463432 PMCID: PMC10921415 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Service dogs are an increasingly popular complementary intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. However, despite increasing demand, there remains a lack of empirical research on their potential benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of service dogs on children with autism and their caregivers. Methods A total of N = 75 families of children with autism were recruited from a non-profit service dog provider in the US, including n = 39 families previously placed with a service dog and n = 36 families engaging in usual care while on the waitlist. Caregivers completed an online survey containing both self- and proxy-report standardized measures of child, caregiver, and family functioning. Linear regressions modeled the relationship between service dog presence and survey outcomes, controlling for relevant child and caregiver covariates. Results Results indicated that having a service dog was associated with significantly better child sleep behaviors, including better sleep initiation and duration and less sleep anxiety/co-sleeping with medium effect sizes. However, service dog presence was not significantly related to child withdrawal, negative emotionality, emotional self-control, hyperactivity, irritability, and lethargy with small effect sizes. For caregivers, having a service dog was not significantly related to standardized measures of caregiver strain, sleep disturbance, depression, or the impact of the child's condition on family functioning with small effect sizes. Supplemental matched case-control analyses confirmed these findings. Discussion In conclusion, service dogs were found to positively impact sleep behaviors among children with autism, but may not uniformly relate to other areas of child and caregiver wellbeing. Prospective longitudinal designs, larger sample sizes able to detect small effects, and studies that measure sleep using objective methods are needed to build on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri E. Rodriguez
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
| | - Mandy Rispoli
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Bridgette L. Kelleher
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Evan L. MacLean
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
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Chute A, Vihos J, Johnston S, Buro K, Velupillai N. The effect of animal-assisted intervention on undergraduate students' perception of momentary stress. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1253104. [PMID: 38187421 PMCID: PMC10766810 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1253104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Student mental wellness is a priority in higher education. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs') are gaining momentum in universities across North America (Dell et al., 2015). Aims This study explored the relationships between AAIs', demographic variables, and perceived momentary stress among university students. Methods Using a descriptive correlational design, students completed a Perceived Momentary Stress questionnaire that included the Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11 (Stress NRS-11) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure perceived stress before and after AAIs'. Data were analyzed using R (4.1.2) (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria) to identify relationships between students' perceptions of momentary stress, AAIs' and sociodemographic and demographic variables. Results First-year students, female students, and students identifying as sexual minorities were found to benefit the most from AAIs'. Conclusion Results from this study reflect relationships between exposure to animal-assisted interventions and student demographic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chute
- Department of Nursing Foundations, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jill Vihos
- Faculty of Nursing, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sharon Johnston
- Department of Nursing Science, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Buro
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nirudika Velupillai
- Department of Mathematics and Science, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Wolken S, Dreesman J, Rocker D, Henke-Gendo C. Characteristics of Animal-assisted Interventions in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany, with a focus on hygiene in health care facilities. One Health 2023; 17:100620. [PMID: 38024270 PMCID: PMC10665140 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted Interventions (AAIs) are becoming increasingly popular. To date, information on the extent of AAIs in Germany is limited. With a focus on infection control measures in health care facilities (HCFs), two studies were conducted in Lower Saxony to gain knowledge about the structure, characteristics and frequency of AAIs. An online survey among AAI providers identified dogs as the most important animal species in AAI, which mainly operated in educational facilities (53%) and/or on own property (46%). Twenty-nine percent offered their services in HCFs. The majority (55%) of the animal handlers was highly trained in AAI, but their awareness of hygiene and infection control measures to prevent zoonotic disease transmission was limited. Nineteen percent of animal handlers dewormed dogs only when faecal examinations were positive and 13% of dogs received ectoparasiticides only when infestations were present. Raw meat diets were frequent (82%). There was little awareness among animal handlers about the possibility of a zoonotic transmission from the client to the animal. Thus, handling of therapy dogs often reflected that of a "normal" pet ownership and did not always account for the special situation in HCFs. A telephone survey in 148 hospitals showed that 28% of the hospitals had experiences with animal-assisted therapies or animal visits, but 22% of these were lacking regulations on handling these animal contacts. While 28% of all hospitals had regulations for assistance dogs only 5% were aware of a new law that grants people accompanied by an assistance dog broad admission rights to public spaces, including HCFs. With an expected further increase in popularity of AAIs high quality standards which include infection control measures and animal welfare should be adopted by all AAI providers and recipients. This will ensure a safe implementation of this complementary medicine, where both sides - the human and the animal - can benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Wolken
- Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Rocker
- Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
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Sullivan B, Carroll E, Soares N. The ethical perspectives of using animals in pediatric health. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2023; 53:101489. [PMID: 38040613 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
While there are ethical standards for human biomedical research, animals have historically not benefitted from the same levels of protection. Cultural shifts in response to studies demonstrating animal capacity to suffer have resulted in laws defining minimum ethical standards for the treatment of various animal populations. However, none of these pertain to service or therapy animals nor do they define ethical considerations regarding training, placement, environment, and duty limitations specific to this population. The potential for harm and inability to provide consent should raise ethical questions of animal assisted interventions (AAI), including how to best balance the risk: benefit ratio for both animal and human participants. While service animals have specific definitions, therapy and emotional support animals are much less clearly defined and therefore have far less standardized practices regarding their training, certification, and process for matching to handlers. This can lead to animals being inadequately trained to cope with the stresses of their jobs or being placed in incompatible environments. Meanwhile, service animals' duties are constant, and the animal has little ability to consent to or withdraw from participation, leading to overwork, without the opportunity to engage in activities that align with the animals' natural preferences. Emotional support animals are the least defined of these populations, receive no formal training, and are at increased risk of inadequate care, unstable housing, and abuse from handlers who may also be poorly prepared to properly handle their needs. To uphold our moral obligations to the animals that serve to improve our own mental wellness and physical independence, urgent actions are needed to improve the protections in place for these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Sullivan
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine (WMed), Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Emily Carroll
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Neelkamal Soares
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine (WMed), Kalamazoo, MI, United States.
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Narayanan A, Solamen L, Torres C. Service and emotional support animals in pediatrics. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2023; 53:101503. [PMID: 38040611 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence of the positive psychological and social impacts animals can have on individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities. Service animals have been used primarily in the adult population. Recently they have become more prevalent in pediatric care to improve the quality of life and emotional well-being of children with physical and mental health challenges. Studies have shown that both service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) improve physical, psychological, and social health of children with chronic medical conditions and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Due to the increasing use of service animals and ESAs in pediatrics, providers need to be aware of which children may benefit from having a service animal or ESA, the process to obtain them and recognize the practical, financial, and ethical considerations or challenges children and their families may encounter. This article aims to provide guidance on the differences between service and emotional support animals and considerations for their use in pediatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Narayanan
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Linda Solamen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Chioma Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 4660 S. Hagadorn Ste. 405, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
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Hamilton-Bruce MA, Young J, Nottle C, Hazel SJ, Milton AG, McDowall S, Mani B, Koblar S. Developing and Planning a Protocol for Implementing Health Promoting Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in a Tertiary Health Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6780. [PMID: 37754639 PMCID: PMC10531378 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The Ottawa Charter identifies that multiple levels of government, non-government, community, and other organizations should work together to facilitate health promotion, including in acute settings such as hospitals. We outline a method and protocol to achieve this, namely an Action Research (AR) framework for an Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) in a tertiary health setting. Dogs Offering Support after Stroke (DOgSS) is an AR study at a major tertiary referral hospital. AAI has been reported to improve mood and quality of life for patients in hospitals. Our project objectives included applying for funding, developing a hospital dog visiting Action Research project, and, subsequent to ethics and governance approvals and finance, undertaking and reporting on the Action Research findings. The Action Research project aimed to investigate whether AAI (dog-visiting) makes a difference to the expressed mood of stroke patients and their informal supports (visiting carers/family/friends), and also the impact these visits have on hospital staff and volunteers, as well as the dog handler and dog involved. We provide our protocol for project management and operations, setting out how the project is conducted from conception to assess human and animal wellbeing and assist subsequent decision-making about introducing dog-visiting to the Stroke Unit. The protocol can be used or adapted by other organizations to try to avoid pitfalls and support health promotion in one of the five important action areas of the Ottawa Charter, namely that of reorienting health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Anne Hamilton-Bruce
- Stroke Research Programme, Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Woodville South 5011, Australia;
| | - Janette Young
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (J.Y.); (C.N.)
| | - Carmel Nottle
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (J.Y.); (C.N.)
| | - Susan J. Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
| | - Austin G. Milton
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (A.G.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Sonya McDowall
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
| | - Ben Mani
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (J.Y.); (C.N.)
| | - Simon Koblar
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (A.G.M.); (S.K.)
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McDowall S, Hazel SJ, Cobb M, Hamilton-Bruce A. Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs in Human Health Promotion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105801. [PMID: 37239529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dogs may provide humans with a range of physical, mental and social benefits. Whilst there is growing scientific evidence of benefits to humans, there has been less focus on the impact to canine health, welfare and ethical considerations for the dogs. The importance of animal welfare is increasingly acknowledged, indicating that the Ottawa Charter should be extended to include the welfare of non-human animals supporting the promotion of human health. Therapy dog programmes are delivered across a variety of settings including hospitals, aged care facilities and mental health services, highlighting the important role they play in human health outcomes. Research has shown that that there are biomarkers for stress in humans and other animals engaged in human-animal interactions. This review aims to assess the impact of human-animal interactions on therapy dogs engaged in providing support to human health. While challenging, it is paramount to ensure that, within the framework of One Welfare, the welfare of therapy dogs is included, as it is a key factor for future sustainability. We identified a range of concerns due to the lack of guidelines and standards to protect the wellbeing of the dogs engaged in these programmes. Extension of the Ottawa Charter to include the welfare of non-human animals with leveraging through a One Welfare approach would promote animal and human health beyond current boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya McDowall
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Susan J Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Mia Cobb
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anne Hamilton-Bruce
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Morwood S, Mai D, Bennett PC, Benton P, Howell TJ. Exploring the Experiences of Volunteer Assistance Dog Puppy Raisers from the Same Program at Two Australian University Campuses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091482. [PMID: 37174519 PMCID: PMC10177126 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Assistance dogs are beneficial; however, accessing one can be challenging due to the time, cost, and high failure rates associated with training. A major factor contributing to a high failure rate appears to be the competency of volunteer puppy raisers (PRs), with returning PRs typically more effective than first-time PRs. However, there remains a gap in the literature dedicated to examining PRs' experiences and how they are affected by the raising programs. This study analysed two groups of PRs (N = 16) from the same university-based program in different Australian regions (i.e., one regional and one suburban). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed both inductively and deductively. The inductive approach identified four major themes that helped to understand the PRs experiences throughout the program: expectations as a PR, organisational and environmental support and suitability, the intensity of PR workload, and practical support. The deductive analysis identified four functions of volunteerism relevant to PRs' motivations: altruism (values), egoism (enhancement), interacting with others (social), and learning new skills (understanding). Overall, the results obtained from the two groups were consistent with past findings suggesting the benefits of organisational and practical support. These findings further develop our understanding of how to enhance puppy-raising experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Morwood
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Dac Mai
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Pauleen C Bennett
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Pree Benton
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
- Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3162, Australia
| | - Tiffani J Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
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Assistance Dogs for People with Younger (Early)-Onset Dementia: The Family Carer's Experience. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050777. [PMID: 36899634 PMCID: PMC10000235 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence for trained assistance dogs promoting the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in a variety of circumstances, including for those with dementia. Little is known about people with younger (early)-onset dementia (YOD) and family carers. As part of a larger study involving 14 people with YOD matched with trained assistance dogs over a two-year period, we report analyses of interviews with 10 family carers conducted on multiple occasions investigating their experience with an assistance dog. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. They told a range of experiences; the good and the challenging. Findings fell into three areas: the human-animal bond; relationship dynamics; and responsibility for caring. Concerns were raised with respect to the resources required of carers together with the financial resources needed to support an assistance dog. The study concludes that trained assistance dogs can play an important role promoting the health and wellbeing of both people with YOD and of their family carers. However, support needs to be in place as the circumstances of the family member with YOD changes and the role of the assistance dog as part of the family also changes. Practical (financial) support of a scheme such as the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could be important to sustaining such support.
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Rodríguez-Vizzuett L, Espinosa-Curiel IE, Pérez-Espinosa H. Digital Technology Supporting the Remote Human-Dog Interaction: Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040699. [PMID: 36830486 PMCID: PMC9951974 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, dogs have coexisted with humans and have been adopted as companion pets and working animals. The communication between humans and dogs has improved their coexistence and socialization; however, due to the nature of their activities, dogs and humans occasionally lose face-to-face contact. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine five essential aspects of current technology designed to support intentional communication between humans and dogs in scenarios where there is no face-to-face contact: (1) the technologies used, (2) the activity supported, (3) the interaction modality, (4) the evaluation procedures, and the results obtained, and (5) the main limitations. In addition, this article explores future directions for research and practice. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines were followed when conducting the review. Scopus (Elsevier), Springer-Link, IEEE Xplorer, ACM Digital Library, and Science Direct were used as data sources to retrieve information from January 2010 to March 2022. The titles and abstracts were individually reviewed by the authors (L.R.-V., I.E.E.-C., and H.P.-E.), and the full articles were then examined before a final inclusion determination. 15 (3%) out of the 571 records that were obtained met the requirements for inclusion. The most used technologies for dogs are: (1) 71% of technologies focused on generating messages are wearable devices equipped with sensors (bite, tug, or gesture), (2) 60% of technologies focused on receiving messages are wearable devices equipped with vibrotactile actuators, and (3) 100% of technologies focused on bidirectional communication are videochats. 67% of the works are oriented to support search and assistance tasks. 80% of the works developed technology for one-way communication. 53% of the technologies have a haptic dog interaction modality, that is, there is an object that the dog must wear or manipulate in a certain way. All of the reported evaluations were pilot studies with positive feasibility results. Remote human-dog interaction technology holds significant promise and potential; however, more research is required to assess their usability and efficacy and to incorporate new technological developments.
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Foltin S, Glenk LM. Current Perspectives on the Challenges of Implementing Assistance Dogs in Human Mental Health Care. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010062. [PMID: 36669063 PMCID: PMC9867308 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of mental health disorders, driven by current global crises, is notably high. During the past decades, the popularity of dogs assisting humans with a wide spectrum of mental health disorders has significantly increased. Notwithstanding these dogs' doubtless value, research on their legal status, certification processes, training and management practices, as well as their welfare status, has been scarce. This scoping review highlights that in contrast to other assistance dogs such as guide dogs, there exists no consistent terminology to mark dogs that assist humans with impaired mental health. Legal authorities monitoring the accreditation process, training and tracking of mental health supporting dogs are broadly lacking, with only few exceptions. This review emphasizes the need to address several topics in the promotion of progress in legal and welfare issues related to assistance dogs as well as emotional support dogs for humans with a mental health disorder. The current body of knowledge was assessed in three different areas of focus: (1) the legal dimension including definitions and certification processes; (2) the dimension of performed tasks; and (3) the dog welfare dimension including aspects of the relationship with the handler and risks associated with children recipients. Considering the challenges associated with a mental health diagnosis, collaborations of dog provider organizations and health care professionals would be desirable to continuously assess the efficiency of the human-dog dyad regarding their overall compatibility, general satisfaction and mutual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Foltin
- Department of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Lisa Maria Glenk
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Warwick C, Pilny A, Steedman C, Howell T, Martínez-Silvestre A, Cadenas V, Grant R. Mobile Zoos and Other Itinerant Animal Handling Events: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Policies. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020214. [PMID: 36670754 PMCID: PMC9854913 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile zoos are events in which non-domesticated (exotic) and domesticated species are transported to venues such as schools, hospitals, parties, and community centres, for the purposes of education, entertainment, or social and therapeutic assistance. We conducted literature searches and surveyed related government agencies regarding existing provisions within laws and policies, number of mobile zoos, and formal guidance issued concerning operation of such events in 74 countries or regions. We also examined governmental and non-governmental guidance standards for mobile zoos, as well as websites for mobile zoo operations, assessed promotional or educational materials for scientific accuracy, and recorded the diversity of species in use. We used the EMODE (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Extreme) algorithm, to evaluate identified species associated with mobile zoos for their suitability for keeping. We recorded 14 areas of concern regarding animal biology and public health and safety, and 8 areas of false and misleading content in promotional or educational materials. We identified at least 341 species used for mobile zoos. Mobile zoos are largely unregulated, unmonitored, and uncontrolled, and appear to be increasing. Issues regarding poor animal welfare, public health and safety, and education raise several serious concerns. Using the precautionary principle when empirical evidence was not available, we advise that exotic species should not be used for mobile zoos and similar itinerant events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Warwick
- Emergent Disease Foundation, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Anthony Pilny
- Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, 2340 E Beardsley Road Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85024, USA
| | - Catrina Steedman
- Emergent Disease Foundation, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, UK
| | - Tiffani Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, P.O. Box 199, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Cadenas
- Animal Protection Biodiversity & Environment Section, Government of Catalonia, 43004 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Rachel Grant
- School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA, UK
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Nieforth LO, Leighton SC, Miller EA, O’Haire ME. Survey of international academic centers and institutes focused on human-animal bond: Scope and landscape in 2021. HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS 2022; 2022:10.1079/hai.2022.0026. [PMID: 38894882 PMCID: PMC11184414 DOI: 10.1079/hai.2022.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Routine surveying of academic centers focused on the human-animal bond is critical to understand the trajectory of the field and to create an environment where centers can learn from one another and build collaborations. The purpose of this manuscript was to report the findings of a survey of these human-animal bond centers, to summarize the status of the field, and to identify changes within the field since 2016. Survey questions concentrated on the demographic characteristics, engagement programs, educational opportunities, and research focuses of the centers. Findings suggest that the field continues to grow as one-third of human-animal bond centers are less than 10 years old. The number of centers that participated in this survey increased by 31% compared to the previous survey (O'Haire et al., 2018). Centers have developed a variety of engagement programs, including animal-assisted intervention and companion animal education programs. About half of the centers (48%) offer degree programs and about one quarter of the centers (24%) offer certificate programs. Most centers (95%) focus their research on companion animals with the most studied companion animal being dogs (95%). The most frequent data collection method was surveys (86%). Qualitative analyses, behavior measures, and physiological measures were also common. The most notable changes from the 2016 survey include overall growth of the field (indicated by the establishment of new centers) and a shift in the specialty area of directors, moving from 44% of directors being veterinarians in 2016 survey to 90% having a human-focused specialty in the 2021 survey. Most centers' research focused on animal-assisted interventions which is consistent with the previous survey. As the field of the human-animal bond continues to grow and more centers emerge, ongoing evaluation of offerings is important to track changes, identify needs, and foster success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne O. Nieforth
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, 1580 E Hanley Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah C. Leighton
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, 1580 E Hanley Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ, USA
| | - Elise A. Miller
- Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, 725 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, 1580 E Hanley Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ, USA
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Huber A, Klug SJ, Abraham A, Westenberg E, Schmidt V, Winkler AS. Animal-Assisted Interventions Improve Mental, But Not Cognitive or Physiological Health Outcomes of Higher Education Students: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022:1-32. [PMID: 36406903 PMCID: PMC9666958 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00945-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high burden of mental health issues among students at higher education institutions world-wide, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are being used to relieve student stress. The objective of this study was to systematically review of the effects of AAIs on the mental, physiological, and cognitive outcomes of higher education students. Randomized controlled trials using any unfamiliar animal as the sole intervention tool were included in this review. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool. Where possible, effect sizes (Hedges' g) were pooled for individual outcomes using random-effects meta-analyses. Albatross plots were used to supplement the data synthesis. Of 2.494 identified studies, 35 were included. Almost all studies used dogs as the intervention animal. The quality of most included studies was rated as moderate. Studies showed an overall reduction of acute anxiety and stress. For other mental outcomes, studies showed smaller, but nonetheless beneficial effects. Studies showed no clear effect on physiological or cognitive outcomes. Strong methodological heterogeneity between studies limited the ability to draw clear conclusions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-022-00945-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalena Huber
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie J. Klug
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Abraham
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erica Westenberg
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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