Is It Ethical To Use Animals For Pet Therapy

Kirsten Allen and Lindsey Colbert, M.A.

Studies take demonstrated notable benefits of the utilize of Beast Assisted Therapy (AAT) with clients (Hart & Yamamoto, 2015; Nimer & Lundahl, 2007). Every bit AAT gains in popularity and becomes more prominently used by psychologists and psychology trainees in mental health settings (Fine, Tedeschi, & Elvove, 2015), it is crucial that the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Comport (APA, 2010), especially Standard 2: Competence and Standard 3: Human Relations, be addressed and practical to this clinical practice. This article will summarize the paramount ethical and safety considerations unique to the field of AAT, including therapist grooming, creature training and welfare maintenance, and client well-being and condom. To educate practicing psychotherapists or therapists in training, a brief explanation of the current terminology will also be provided along with the documented benefits of AAT in healthcare and mental health settings. This article may serve as a preliminary guideline if you are considering incorporating AAT into your therapeutic work.

Current Terminology

Throughout the literature, many terms are used to depict interventions in which animals are incorporated to promote mental and physical health in humans. For the purposes of this newspaper, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) will exist the term used; still, information technology is of import to differentiate betwixt the following terms. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) is an overarching term used to describe interventions involving animals, and encompasses Creature Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). AAA are generally informal, recreational or educational activities utilized to amend an individual's quality of life. AAA occur in many settings and are provided by a "trained professional person, paraprofessional, and/or volunteer" (Kruger & Serpell, 2010, p. 34). In contrast, AAT is a goal-directed intervention implemented past a mental health professional person, such as a licensed professional advisor, social worker, and/or clinical psychologist. These psychotherapists specifically integrate AAT into their work to facilitate client treatment objectives and goals while monitoring client progress equally they (i.e., therapist, client, and animal) work together (Kruger & Serpell, 2010).

Benefits of AAT

The benefits of AAT are documented across a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, hospice centers, rehabilitation clinics, and residential facilities (Gee, Fine, Schuck, 2015; Martin & Farnum, 2002). AAT can exist applied beyond the lifespan (i.e., from pediatric to geriatric patients), and is most ofttimes used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions to accomplish customer treatment goals and address many medical, mental, and physical concerns. Incorporating an animal into psychotherapy tin can have numerous positive effects, and has specifically been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and promote emotional well-beingness (Nimer & Lundahl, 2007). Enquiry has shown AAT is especially useful in treatment for those with "autism-spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems," as the presence of an animal tin can promote condom and allow clients to feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with professionals (Hart & Yamamoto, 2015, p. 59; Nimer & Lundahl, 2007).

Every bit an case of the ways animals may be helpful to humans' mental health, Tedeschi, Sisa, Olmert, Parish-Plass, and Yount (2015) noted that talking to and petting a domestic dog can reduce stress, in office by releasing oxytocin, which promotes overall well-being. Interestingly, the oxytocin receptor gene helps "fine-tune" an private's ability to respond to social stressors, equally well as empathize and trust others, which are important aspects of psychotherapy (Tedeschi, Sisa et al., 2015, p. 314). In addition, it is "therapeutically significant that a loftier degree of similarity has been plant between the man and the dog oxytocin organisation, and that friendly contact between humans and dogs increases oxytocin levels in both species" (Tedeschi, Sisa et al., 2015, p. 314). Given these notable benefits, it is important therapists are fairly trained and provided with the necessary teaching to properly contain AAT into their work.

AAT Preparation and Integration for Psychotherapists

Formal AAT educational activity can aid in developing a unique specialty area to strengthen a psychotherapist'due south primary grooming focus in a mental health profession (i.e., psychology, counseling, psychiatry). There are many educational programs individuals can attend to larn the competence needed to ethically incorporate animals into their work. For instance, the Pet Partners Program in Denver, Colorado (developed by the Delta Gild; http://world wide web.denverpetpartners.org) offers a valuable introductory course, including in-service trainings that provide appropriate guidelines for quality exercise (Tedeschi, Pearson, Bayly, & Fine, 2015). Still, it is upwardly to the individual to embrace and properly apply this caused knowledge, as the field of AAT evolves and the necessary guidelines are developed (Fine, Tedeschi, & Elvove, 2015). Receiving adequate training minimizes risks and maximizes benefits of the human-brute interaction, to both human and creature participants. Additionally, client well-being and safety is a core focus in the field of psychology. Therefore, it is essential that safety measures are in identify when utilizing AAT. Therapists interested in incorporating animals into their clinical practice must seriously consider many factors, including: i) the condom and welfare of the animal and customer; 2) the APA Ethics Code (2010), including Standards of Competence and Human Relations, and the five Ethical Principles (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence; Allegiance and Responsibility; Integrity; Justice; and Respect for People's Rights and Nobility); 3) the most applicable AAT delivery model; and 4) educating members of the therapeutic environment.

The introduction of the fauna to the therapy sessions must be a gradual transition, in which boundaries are established and limits set for both the client and the beast. Prior to introducing an animal to the client, therapists must provide informed consent, verify the absence of any breed-specific allergies, and decide whether the client has fears or phobias near animals or prior traumatic experiences, such as being bitten by a domestic dog. Although inquiry has shown the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases is minimal, unproblematic precautions (e.thou., rigorous health care monitoring for the animal) must be taken to ensure the safety of both the brute and the client, particularly for high-risk clients, such as immune-suppressed patients and hospitalized patients (Fine, 2015). Furthermore, some clients' beliefs (eastward.g., religious, cultural, ethical) may non align with the principles of AAT, which may brand the integration of AAT into psychotherapy challenging or impossible (Jegatheesan, 2015; Standard 3.01: Unfair Discrimination; APA, 2010). In such circumstances, therapists must have culling handling options. Such condom measures help ensure that the addition of the animal volition enhance, and non complicate, psychotherapy, too as ensure compliance with the five Ethical Principles of the APA Ethics Code (2010).

Given the unique client-therapist-animal relationship, the therapist must be aware of and consider the potential touch of Multiple Relationships (Standard 3.05: Multiple Relationships), and/or dumb objectivity (Standard 3.06: Conflict of Interest) on the client'southward treatment (APA, 2010). Psychotherapists must develop the skill to split their attending equally betwixt the customer and beast "without compromising the quality of service being offered" (Fine, 2015, p. 163). Therefore, the therapist'south role becomes to both protect the animal's safe and well-beingness and to stay attuned to and be protective of the client's experience (MacNamara, Moga, & Pachel, 2015). Regular check-ins with the client regarding human relationship status and condolement level with the therapy animal, also as cheque-ins on the impact of the therapist's own relationship with the therapy animal, are imperative. As animals, similar humans, are susceptible to injury, illness, disease, and decease, clients (and co-workers) must be appropriately educated, prepared, and immune fourth dimension to process the temporary or permanent, absence of the therapy animal.

Therapists can serve multiple roles in AAT and training can provide education about the delivery approaches about suitable to unique client needs. Two common delivery approaches fit the needs of almost client, therapist, animal, and overall surroundings combinations (MacNamara et al., 2015). First, the Diamond Model consists of iv individuals: the animal, the trainer, the therapist, and the client. The function of trainer is typically fulfilled by an individual with aplenty grooming (which could include an appropriately-trained therapist), and the trainer is the person primarily responsible for the beast's safety and well-being (Standard ii.05: Delegation of Work to Others; APA, 2010). This approach is most often used with large therapy animals, such as horses, or when psychotherapy is offered in a group setting. Second, the Triangle Model consists of three individuals—the animate being, the therapist, and the customer—and the therapist, therefore, serves dual roles, as both therapist and animal handler (see Standard 3.05: Multiple Relationships and three.06: Conflict of Interest; APA, 2010). This model is frequently used in the therapist's professional environment (e.g., private practise, hospital, school, or community mental wellness facility) and with the therapist's own creature that has been trained to serve equally a therapy animal.

Educating facility personnel, co-workers, and staff (essentially anybody) within the facility in which animals are integrated is essential for ecology safety and for adherence to ethical standards (Standard 3.09: Cooperation with Other Professionals; APA, 2010). The therapist must ensure fellow co-workers feel comfortable and rubber around the animals. Apparently, in environments integrating many types of animals (due east.g., farms), employees are typically comfortable and motivated to work with a broad variety of animals. Notwithstanding, in more traditional psychotherapeutic environments (eastward.g., clinics, hospitals, community mental wellness centers, and educational facilities), there is likely to be greater variability in receptivity to the presence of animals. Some individuals may have grown upward with animals; others may be allergic, fearful of the brute's presence, and/or concerned virtually the potential for various health or liability problems. Therefore, information technology is essential therapists communicate with the facility personnel, co-workers, and staff prior to introducing the creature to the clinical setting, and so, upon blessing of the animal, educate them on how appropriate care of the animal volition be maintained. This education should include details regarding creature training, the animal's health care routine, safety precautions, and assurance of procedures in place to protect any individuals who are uncomfortable with the brute's presence. The therapist must model salubrious and respectful beliefs toward the brute for the benefit of the animal, co-workers, and clients (VanFleet, Fine, O'Callaghan, MacKintosh, & Gimeno, 2015). As Tedeschi, Sisa et al. (2015) noted, "It is highly significant that the behaviors and stimuli that piece of work all-time in the creation of these wonderful service dogs are the aforementioned positive, nurturing behaviors on which all human friendship and families thrive" (p. 316).

Beast Preparation and Welfare Maintenance

Functional knowledge of non only the principles of AAT, but also animal behavior and animal welfare, is essential to competently and safely integrate AAT. General noesis of beast behavior and appropriate human-animal interaction facilitates the therapist's ability to observe the animal'southward signs of discomfort and stress, as well as to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate homo behavior towards animals (e.g., children jumping and bending over animals, pulling tails/ears, and/or sitting on the animal), as such knowledge minimizes risks for both the animal and the client (Jegatheesan et al., 2014).

Fine's (2015) "Guidelines for Incorporating Animals in AAT" outlines how dogs are judged past trained professionals in well-qualified organizations (e.g., Canine Companions, 2016) and, thereafter, selected as a co-worker in AAT (p. 151). These guidelines include animate being selection requirements, preparatory preparation requirements, and safety and condolement guidelines. Dogs with excellent temperament, calm and gentle natures, who enjoy being around people, are able to sit quietly for extended periods of time, are able to handle unusual circumstances, and accept adequate obedience and grooming are judged to be well-suited for therapy animal work (Fine, 2015). These animals must then earn an obedience training certificate past demonstrating mastery of several skills (eastward.g., comfort around strangers, the ability to walk in the heel position on a leash and ignore a neutral dog, and the ability to obey commands). If animals run into all these requirements, they are then matched with a trained AAT specialist (e.g., a therapist).

It becomes the responsibility of the therapist to adhere to the following fauna safe and condolement guidelines: a) always protect your therapy animal; b) remove your animal from all stressful situations until they become more comfortable with the state of affairs via time and training; c) give your creature consistent breaks; d) provide walks and play breaks to reduce the animal'south stress; e) ever have fresh water available and present favorite toys during breaks; and d) have a safe, low stimulus resting spot available in the therapy surround (Fine, 2015). With specialized grooming, therapists can learn how to properly incorporate AAT, and thereby create and maintain a salubrious therapeutic surround for both the beast and the client.

Conclusion

Every bit animals continue to be incorporated into the therapeutic work of mental health therapists, it becomes crucial that upstanding and safety best practices, too as acceptable training for both the therapist and the animal, be implemented and maintained (Tedeschi, Pearson et al., 2015). Every bit AAT evolves, the development of formal training guidelines and practices are needed to ensure therapists are indeed trained in a manner ensuring the safety and well-beingness of not merely clients, merely animals likewise. Additionally, it is imperative therapists proceed to explore the human-animal bond and behave rigorous empirical studies examining the therapeutic benefits of AAT beyond unlike populations and settings. Every bit Tedeschi, Sisa et al. (2015, p. 316) notation,

Our increasing awareness of the similarities betwixt the neural, neurohormonal, and genetic mechanisms that regulate stress and social behaviors in an all mammals, specifically the oxytocin organization, supports the hypothesis . . . that oxytocin's 'calm-connect' effects underlie the development of the human-creature bond . . . [and] illuminates how and why the homo-canine bond tin be and then emotionally and therapeutically powerful . . .

Source: https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/ethical-safety-considerations-use-animals-therapeutic-setting/

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