Policies define a set of rules and procedures are the instructions for how policies are to be achieved. Developing policies and procedures are essential for a safe and productive implementation of animal assisted therapy. Specific measures must be covered when developing policies and procedures including patient exclusion criteria, infection prevention, safety, COVID-19 protocols, and therapy animal and human volunteer requirements. 

Patient Exclusion Criteria 

• fear of animals

• allergic to animals

• isolation precautions of any kind

• immunocompromised 

• open wounds that aren't covered during the animal visit

• aggressive, violent behavior

Infection Prevention 

• Ensure hand hygiene before and after for anyone who will pet a therapy animal.

• Restrict therapy animals from interacting with clients who are on any type of isolation precautions.

• If in a hospital setting, place a single patient-use barrier, such as a towel, on the bed where the therapy animal will rest their head or, if allowed, their paws. Following the visit, the single-use barrier is discarded appropriately.

• If therapy animal is placed on a mat, be sure to disinfect the mat before and after. 

• Therapy animals are discouraged from licking anyone or themselves. 

Safety:

• Therapy animals are always leashed and under the control of their handlers. 

• Prohibit visits with therapy animals for clients who are agitated or violent. 

COVID-19:

• People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not be around, touch or interact with therapy animals.

• Practice social distancing for anyone and any other animals not participating in the therapy animal interaction.

• Disinfect items such as leashes, collars, capes and bandanas after visiting the hospital and before going to another facility.

• Handlers and the participants visiting with therapy animals should wear masks.

• Do not put a mask on the therapy animal.

• Do not use disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or other harsh chemicals to bathe or wipe down the therapy animal.

• There is no evidence that the virus can spread to people from the skin, fur or hair of animals.

References

Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals. (2023, October 16). AAAIP Competencies. https://www.aaaiponline.org/assets/docs/AAAIPCompetencies.pdf

Miller, J. (2020). Animal-assisted interventions: Impact on patient outcomes and satisfaction. Nursing Management, 51(4), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000657240.17744.1b