The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Ethical Considerations

Abstract

Although animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) share specific characteristics, their differences can be quite significant (Lajoie, 2003). Most research on AAIs focuses on the human side (Muñoz Lasa et al., 2011). The autonomy and well-being of the animals involved are seldom studied, as well as the possible values of conflict between humans and animals (Glenk, 2017). The COVID-19 pandemic that gripped the world starting in 2019–2020, greatly affected human-animal interaction projects, such as animal-assisted interventions (Kumar et al., 2020). To control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, several (inter)national organisations, came up with new safety protocols. We focus on scientific insights and anecdotal observations, as well as the ethical implications of the COVID-19 safety protocols on AAIs in Belgium and Italy. The paper aims to give the reader an insight into the complexity of AAIs and its future relevance for developing protocols to handle the current and maybe future pandemics.

Canine-Assisted Interventions and the Relevance of Welfare Assessments for Human Health, and Transmission of Zoonosis: A Literature Review

“…Clients may bring left-overs from their own meals to reward the dogs. However, some human foods contain components that are unhealthy or even toxic to dogs such as grapes, chocolate, or nuts (50,62,82). Moreover, feeding dogs means direct contact with dog saliva, a possible source of contact with commensal zoonotic pathogens resident in the dogs' oral cavities (62,83).…”

“…and C. canimorsus, which can cause infections, pneumonia, meningitis, or ulcerations in humans if licked in the ears, mouth, or in surgical wounds (84). Some institutions may therefore request that treats are deposited in a bowl to avoid direct contact between the client's hand and the dog's mouth (82). Regular disinfection of food and water bowls between CAI settings may be in place to reduce the risk of exchange of pathogens and to improve dog welfare during CAI sessions (82).…”

“…Most protocols agree that dogs should be washed, and groomed within 24 h prior to contact with clients (49,65,66,82). Washing a dog at least twice a week might be stressful for the animals ( 104), but it may help reduce Can f1 from dog hair and dander and lower the risk for allergic reaction (105).…”

“…Currently, humans are not required to have a yearly health screening from a physician or up-to-date vaccinations (49). The most reliable recommendation to safeguarding welfare and preventing the transmission of zoonotic disease is consistent hand hygiene and/or disinfection (25,66,82,119) before and after visits and barrier protection such as linen disposal or changing the sheets on the bed after a visit (119). As animals often visit more than one setting, infection control tracking reports are also advisable (108).…”

“…When more clients choose to attend sessions, the frequency of the interventions and the number of clients per session may increase, which can contribute to an increased workload, elevated stress levels in the dogs and possible undesirable behavior towards clients (31). In visiting programs, the transportation of animals might be a cause of elevated cortisol levels (137) and in residential CAIs where dogs and clients live together, clients may initiate an interaction at will, resulting in dogs being on duty 24 h/day with little time to rest (82). It is suggested that introducing a particular workingcue such as a bandana could help the dog to discriminate when the session starts.…”