Unconventional Animal Species Participation in Animal-Assisted Interventions and Methods for Measuring Their Experienced Stress

Abstract

The participation of animals during complementary therapy for humans is a developing area. Dogs and horses are the most frequent partner species in animal-assisted services, but several unconventional species have also been involved, although there is a lack of information about the stress they experience caused by AAS. We conducted a comprehensive literature search, analyzing 135 articles with the purpose of investigating the effects of AAS on unconventional species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, farm animals, alpacas, donkeys, reptiles, aquarium fishes, and dolphins. We found that the relevant articles emphasize investigating the impact of animal-assisted interventions on humans, and they generally report positive outcomes. Limited data is available concerning the potential consequences the interventions may have on the animals. Therefore, it is our conclusion that more extensive studies should be conducted to get adequate information on stress experienced by animals during AAS, such as the measurement of biochemical parameters such as cortisol. Hence, meeting animal welfare considerations in addition to human interests could serve as a basis for the recommended methodology for therapies.