Implementing Pet Therapy in Senior Care: Guidelines for Safety and Engagement

According to Susan Hartzler, a therapy dog handler and author of the upcoming book "Teaming Up With Therapy Dogs: Skills to Build Healing Partnerships," integrating pet therapy into senior care necessitates intentional planning. Important components include scheduling, supervision, infection control protocols, resident consent, and clear policies regarding animal handling. Hartzler emphasizes that ensuring resident safety, dignity, and choice, along with animal welfare, should be the primary focus, recommending that pet therapy should be a formalized program rather than an informal drop-in activity.

The success of pet therapy begins with selecting the right provider. Rachel Bender, MBA, CTRS, director of activities and recreational therapy at Hartford HealthCare The Orchards at Southington, advises communities to choose providers whose services align with residents’ therapeutic goals. This typically involves selecting reputable organizations that adhere to established standards, featuring formal evaluations, behavioral assessments, and handler training. Hartzler points out that handlers should be knowledgeable about the specific needs of seniors, such as mobility limitations and sensory sensitivities.

Health and safety documentation is imperative. Communities should obtain proof of vaccinations and current veterinary health certificates for therapy animals before they interact with residents, as Bender states that relying on verbal assurances can be insufficient. Annual verification of these documents is also recommended to ensure continued compliance.

To protect resident health, pre-visit screenings can identify allergies, immune system concerns, and personal or cultural preferences regarding animals. The Orchards at Southington utilizes an intake questionnaire to capture resident preferences about pet therapy, helping staff adapt sessions based on individual needs including offering alternatives like visual engagement or individualized visits.

While staff typically do not handle therapy animals, they play a critical role in monitoring resident interactions during visits. They can observe resident reactions and intervene if any discomfort arises. Hartzler highlights the importance of ongoing communication to address issues such as fatigue or overstimulation, ensuring that residents feel free to engage, disengage, or simply observe at their own pace.

Training staff to understand therapy animal behavior and recognize resident emotional cues is vital for smooth interactions. This preparation allows staff to help position residents comfortably, promote conversation, and maintain a calm environment. Respecting resident boundaries is crucial as well, especially for those with a fear of animals. Advance notice of visits, establishing animal-free zones, and making participation optional help accommodate all residents.

Bender underscores the importance of honoring individual preferences, stating that senior living communities are ultimately homes for the residents. If a resident is fearful of pets or dislikes animals, their preferences should be respected.

While implementing pet therapy requires significant coordination, it offers profound rewards. Hartzler recalls a memorable instance when her therapy dog, Baldwin, joined a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, inadvertently creating a joyful moment that resonated with residents long after the visit. This illustrates the unique power of pet therapy in fostering connections and enriching the lives of seniors.