Standards for Animal Welfare

Purpose

For Hope’s Therapy Dogs, consideration of animal welfare isn’t simply a philosophical approach to animal-assisted interventions (AAI). Animal welfare also directly impacts client safety. When we take steps to ensure a humane environment, in combination with appropriate standards for the handler and animal, we reduce the risk of accidents that could negatively impact the health and well-being of clients as well as the dog.

1. The Animal Enjoys, Not Just Tolerates, Interactions.

Dogs are sentient beings who are capable of making choices and expressing preferences, including their preferred level of participation in AAI. A therapy dog should actively consent to participation in AAI; the dog should not simply tolerate interactions, based solely on compliance with the handler’s commands. Therefore, handlers should look for cues that indicate active consent and should end interactions if those cues aren’t present. This includes deciding to retire a therapy dog after a period of decreasing interest over time.

2. Interactions Are Time-Limited.

Therapy dogs experience fatigue. Dogs that are routinely fatigued have suboptimal immune responses and are at risk for illness as a result of their therapy work. Although different interactions result in different levels of taxation, a limit of one to two hours of work is recommended. For practitioners who incorporate their therapy dog for only parts of a day, the animal should be provided a rest area that is away from people.

3. The Animal Receives Regular Veterinary Care.

Therapy dogs should be in good health, receiving a veterinary examination at least once a year to proactively identify and treat health concerns.

4. The Animal is Comfortable During Interactions.

During Animal Assisted Interventions, it's essential that the therapy dog has access to water, a retreat/rest area as needed, and regular toileting breaks. Furthermore, the handler must remain mindful of environmental factors affecting the dog, ranging from room temperature to the presence or proximity of other individuals.

5. Training is Positive, and the Equipment Used is Non-Coercive.

Training of any kind should exclusively employ force-free techniques. Equipment utilised for training and handling must also be force-free. Hope’s Therapy Dogs strictly prohibits the use of slip, spray, shock, or prong collars, or any similar equipment that is not perceived as humane.

6. Special Considerations for Animals That Are in Heat or Breeding

Hope's Therapy Dogs recognises the importance of considering a therapy animal's suitability for interactions during specific periods such as estrus, pregnancy, or lactation, taking into account species-specific needs. Generally, dogs undergoing the physical demands of reproduction should refrain from AAI for a period recommended by Hope’s Therapy Dogs. While responsible animal ownership promotes spaying/neutering, it's not mandatory for participation in AAI.

7. The Animal is Accompanied.

Under no circumstances should therapy dogs be left unattended with clients. The handler must remain present at all times. Handlers who fail to supervise their animals risk endangering the welfare of the dog.

8. The Animal is Removed When Indicated.

If a therapy dog exhibits behaviour consistent with aggression or excessive stress, it must be promptly removed from the setting. Instances of extreme behaviour or recurring patterns may suggest that the animal is not suitable for therapy work.

9. One Handler, One Animal

Hope's Therapy Dogs prioritise individual handling for each therapy dog during AAI interactions. While different clients may have preferences for certain animals, there is no evidence supporting the benefits of a single handler bringing multiple animals simultaneously. This approach allows handlers to proactively facilitate interactions and monitor for signs of stress, anxiety, or discomfort in the individual dog.

Last reviewed April 2024.

How to contact us If you have any questions about this policy please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email us at: ali@hopestherapydogs.co.uk