Pets in Therapy

Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Second Quarter 2001 by Mahar, Patricia

Pets in Therapy. Abdil, M. N., & Juppe, D. (Eds.). (1997). Ravensdale, WA: Idyll Arbor, Inc. (www.IdyIIArbor.com).

Pets in Therapy offers a comprehensive overview of a variety of aspects of pet therapy. The book's authors share information that would be valuable in starting a pet therapy and/or pet visitation program in a residential facility. Many examples of successful experiences in pet therapy, based upon stated principles, are provided in the book. It describes therapy activities with a wide variety of animals, in addition to the "typical" animals historically used in pet therapy. Pet therapy is an area that has received increased attention in therapeutic recreation. This book is an excellent resource for use by therapeutic recreation specialists, as well as by students, family members of patients/clients, caregivers, and human service professionals.

The book opens with an overview of pet therapy. The first chapter outlines the values of pet therapy programs using examples from previous pet therapy programs. The contribution that pet therapy can make to quality of life is addressed. According to editors Margaret N. Abdil and Denise Juppe, individuals who interact with pets begin to trust and use positive affection more freely. Pet therapy also promotes socialization, improves self-esteem and security, and provides entertainment and acceptance.

Chapter 2, The Masonic Home of New Jersey, presents an in-depth case study that outlines a successful pet therapy program. It discusses the implementation process and emphasizes the continuous growth possibilities of this particular program. In addition, this chapter briefly discusses patients with Alzheimers disease and the positive effects from a pet therapy program.

Chapter 3, Program Implementation, provides an array of information on some of the issues that need to be considered when creating a new pet therapy program. Topics include: "Where Do I Begin," "Types of Pet Therapy "Choosing the Right Pet For You," "Staff Responsibility," and "Veterinary Care." The information is thorough and provides helpful suggestions about the planning stages of a pet therapy program.

Chapter 4, Activities, looks at some of the activities available to implement as a part of a creative pet therapy program. This chapter suggests a variety of different animals and environments in which therapy activities can occur. In addition, this chapter describes several unique, detailed, and systematic instructions for hands-on activities in pet therapy. It also includes a brief overview of resident/patient functioning levels to be considered with pet therapy programs.

These levels include:

* Level 1: Sensory Integration

* Level 2: Sensory Stimulation

* Level 3: Validation

* Level 4: Re-motivating and Reminiscing

* Level 5: Re-socializing

* Level 6: Cognitive Stimulation and Refraining

* Level 7: Short Term Rehabilitation

* Level 8: Community Integration

It is the reviewer's opinion that this concise and functional framework would be very useful to consider when planning pet therapy activities.

Chapter 5, Pet Therapy Survey, offers outlines and evaluations of existing programs, as well as a sample survey that is very user friendly. This chapter concludes with an excellent reminder that animal welfare is as important as the therapeutic benefits derived from their use.

Chapters 6 through 12 offer a holistic review of the use of plush animals, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and fish. The individual treatment of each animal offers an in-depth examination that the reader will find beneficial and informative. These chapters present guidelines for facilitating specific pet therapy programs or activities in a detailed manner. In addition, each chapter provides positive examples and success stories. The positive attributes of each animal are discussed and areas of potential concerns/risks are addressed.

Chapter 13, Health and Safety, includes detailed and current information regarding the health and safety of the therapy animals as well as patients. The chapter offers an in-depth examination of transporting, neutering issues, ticks, and hip problems. An extensive discussion of PennHIP, a scientific method used to evaluate dogs for hip dysplasia, concludes this chapter.

Chapter 14, Infectious Diseases, reviews many infectious diseases associated with animals and how to best protect immuno-compromised patients and reduce their risk. A checklist of simple precautions and regular healthcare for pets is particularly useful.

Chapter 15, Death of a Pet, is one of the last chapters of the text and focuses on supporting patients when a therapy pet dies. It suggests coping strategies and offers some heart-warming anecdotes. A thorough list of additional resources to learn more about grief from loss of an animal is included at the end of this chapter.

Chapter 16, Policies and Procedures, presents an informative look at the policies that need to be in place before starting a pet therapy program. The authors present a comprehensive review and discussion of these topics, as well as very defined and descriptive information. Examples of letters and screening forms are also included in this chapter.