Access to human–animal interactions (HAI) have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Service animals that were trained and accustomed to daily access to public places had to adjust to staying at home. Therapy animals and their handlers who previously visited with many of the populations most vulnerable to the virus have had to halt their programming. Professionals who utilize animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have had to develop new strategies for providing goal-oriented care. Even the landscape for companion animals has been significantly altered, leading to behavioral changes and new practices for pet owners and veterinarians. While animals and their human companions face new challenges, our recognition of the power of the human–animal bond (HAB) has grown, as it provides a vital need for connection during this time of isolation. In this paper, we will not only focus on describing the new status quo related to various kinds of animals and the public’s access to HAI, but will also offer suggestions for sharing the human–animal bond during a time in which physical connections are limited. Organizational insights from the service and therapy animal fields will be explored, and findings related to the auspiciousness of new initiatives, such as animal-related engagement (ARE), will be presented. Recommendations for people who share their lives with any of these kinds of animals will be made to ensure both human and animal welfare. Finally, future research and best practices will be suggested, so we can empirically understand and develop these revised offerings to ultimately bring HAI to a wider audience than ever before.

When incorporating therapy animals into clinical practice, there are essential ethical considerations that must be considered to protect the welfare of both the people and the animals who are involved in the intervention. The field of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) and more specifically animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is just beginning to appreciate the critical role that animal welfare has in enhancing the quality of the entire process of working with a therapy animal. In this article, the authors will present ethical models that are incumbent for practitioners to consider prior to partnering with a therapy animal. Examples of how a speech-language pathologist (SLP) might work with a therapy animal will be integrated throughout the article to demonstrate applied awareness of how good welfare not only protects the animal but also the clients who engage in the intervention. Key aspects to consider at all stages of AAT will be described, including considerations of welfare as they relate to selecting and working with a therapy animal, preparing clients for AAT, and developing specific competencies as an AAT practitioner. Theoretical support for these recommendations will also be outlined, preparing AAT providers to not only incorporate the highest standards in AAT but to also serve as an advocate in championing these standards as the field develops.

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The study of human-animal interaction has increased in the recent decades, with research frequently accomplished through collaboration between academic researchers and human-animal interaction practitioners. While collaborations vary depending on context and characteristics, it is critical for both parties to appreciate the value of collaborative research and approach the process purposefully. The goal of this manuscript was to discuss strategies that support productive researcher-practitioner collaboration, along with identifying potential obstacles impeding such partnerships. A model for healthy collaboration is provided, which may be used as a template for researchers and practitioners alike when approaching a potential partnership. Important considerations include relationship building, establishing a common understanding, and advancing best practices in the field. Recommendations pertain to the identification of a research collaborator, ethical community-based collaborative research, alignment of key concepts and terminology, detailed reporting of both human and animal characteristics and welfare, and promotion of high standards. Finally, an example of successful collaboration is outlined. For the field of human-animal interaction to progress in its goal of elevating scientific rigor and growing the empirical evidence base, we must likewise elevate and grow our understanding and approach to scientific collaboration.

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