Pet Therapy: Working with Dogs in Health Care Settings

Created by The Royal College of Nursing

Working with Dogs in Health Care Settings

A protocol to support organisations considering working with dogs in health care settings and allied health environments

2019 revision

'The recognition that dogs, and other animals, can provide support to people in many different ways has led to an increase in the number of health and social care settings where dogs are present. Traditionally, many care homes have encouraged regular visits from dogs and increasingly schools and hospitals are introducing dogs into settings where they play a variety of roles.

There has been a significant growth in the number of working therapy dogs. In addition, there has been a rise in the number and type of assistance dogs, helping people with not just physical disabilities but medical conditions and mental health issues as well. Given that we know dogs can make a significant difference to the lives of people with a range of disabilities and conditions, this is a positive move. However, there are rightly a number of concerns being raised about bringing a dog into a clinical environment and these need to be addressed.

Many organisations have developed their own guidance, policies and protocols to ensure that there are robust safeguards in place which address infection prevention and control as well as health and safety concerns. The Royal College of Nursing and a number of the charities that provide animal therapy or train assistance dogs as well as the owners of personal assistance dogs, believe that it would be helpful to develop a universal protocol setting out clear guidelines that all health care settings can follow.'

For the full report, useful content and template please download the attachment.

Other resources that you might find useful:

• Pet Therapy Policy