If you only look at one resource, we strongly recommend the excellent, comprehensive, practical resource from the State Hospital Scotland about their highly successful animal therapy programme. It is full of advice and inspiration, whether you’re considering getting a fish tank or a full-on glorious mini-farm. Their publication also has an extensive reference list.
Introduction
Measuring stress and immune response in healthcare professionals following interaction with a therapy dog
Benefits of animal assisted therapy in a forensic psychiatric hospital in America. Quoted here.
Skyping pets when away on holiday
http://www.ntnews.com.au/lifestyle/owners-replacing-children-with-pets/story-fnk0b1ks-1227563113141
AITM video
Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Animal Visiting Program
North Shore University Hospital
The University of Maryland Medical Center
Dogs helping soldiers dealing with PTSD
Pets and mental health, Haworth Press, New York, NY. Cusack (1988)
Pets are definitely allowed on wards!
NICE guidelines
Dementia: supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care
Why
The Health Benefits of Companion Animals – Katcher et al
Animal assisted therapy at an adult day care centre for older adults with dementia.
Nutritional benefits of animal contact for people with dementia.
Pain reduction benefits of animal contact
See also:
http://www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk/images/stories/PHC_Health%20Benefits%20of%20Pets.pdf
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/10-ways-owning-a-pet-benefits-your-health
Therapeutic Use of Companion Animals in Health Care – Jennifer Jorgenson
Mental Health Foundation research into benefits of having a cat
How
Having a pet is not a miracle cure for mental illness.
Dogs Trust:
- Helping homeless people find dog friendly hostels
- Practical help to encourage hostels to take dogs
- Paying vets fees for homeless people’s dogs
- Arranging foster care for dogs so women can leave abusive partners
- Taking the lead – training for young offenders in looking after their dog.
PDSA Vet Care scheme helps people on low incomes with costs.
Dog-sharing
Selecting a Pet Animal – NHS Forth Valley
The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients
Animal-Facilitated Therapy in Various Patient Populations Systematic Literature Review
Schizophrenia Commission on Swiss mental health hospital’s resident therapeutic dogs
Wardipedia ‘comfort objects’ feature.
Biscuit the interactive toy dog
Inspiring examples from and beyond hospitals:
Care home for people with dementia animals research project
Pets as Therapy dogs being introduced to hospitals across North Wales
Pawsitive Pals Pet Therapy Program at San Diego Hospice
Legal situation
NHS Forth Valley policy document.
Policy
Particularly wonderfully helpful policies.
Very detailed policy, examples, evidence base etc
http://www.tsh.scot.nhs.uk/Person%20Centred/Docs/Animals%20as%20Therapy%20booklet%20-%20Aug%2007.pdf
Keeping humans happy, healthy and safe
State Hospital Scotland – Animals as Therapy
A lovely clear summary for dogs and cats is provided by Cheshire & Wirral NHS Trust
Excellent policy from Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber
Animal-assisted activity and infection control implications in a healthcare setting.
Article – Fatwa allows Muslim’s guide dog inside mosque
Dogs in different faiths
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/animals.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/hinduethics/animal.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/jewishethics/animals_1.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/animals_1.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/islamethics/animals_1.shtml
Keeping animals happy, healthy and safe
State Hospital Scotland – Animals as Therapy
Therapy or therapeutic?
Animal Assisted Therapy in occupational therapy practice
Effectiveness of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients
State Hospital Scotland – Animals as Therapy
See also:
Therapy pets and humans with mental health issues
Assistance dogs
Buddy the mental health support dog
Access to medical facilities for guide dog owners
