When Veterinarians Support Canine Therapy: Bidirectional Benefits for Clinics and Therapy Programs

Abstract

This paper proposes a mutually beneficial model of collaboration between veterinarians and canine therapy programs. Veterinarians and the clinics for whom they work routinely establish collaborations with multiple and varied stakeholders. This might include a laboratory for processing samples and the corresponding courier company needed to deliver samples to the lab or a partnership with a local dog rescue organization for whom discounted rates are offered. One community partnership that stands to benefit both the clinic and the community agency, is for veterinarians to work in tandem with a local canine-assisted therapy program. The benefits to such an alliance are multifold and address aspects of veterinary medicine including client recruitment, community education, and access to a network of devoted dog enthusiasts.

The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues That Will Shape the Future

“…Most AAI organizations require the animal to pass a behavioral evaluation by a certified evaluator and a physical exam by a licensed veterinarian [113]. The use of a veterinarian knowledgeable about the skills required of and potential stressors to a therapy animal during the selection process cannot be underestimated [114]. This largely ensures the safety of the people interacting with the animal.…”