72 Section 4
4.3 Assisted Interventions Involving Animals, Humans and
the Environment in Practice
Putting One Welfare aspects of animal and human-assisted programmes
into practice requires collaboration between professionals working with hu-
mans and animals.
Collaborative approaches will vary according to the assisted interven-
tion programme target group and goals. To align with the One Welfare ap-
proach, as a minimum all programmes should include:
- A clear description of the aims and activities of the programme.
- Screening procedures to match humans, animals and a suitable environ-
ment (where relevant) to maximize benefits for all.
- Human healthcare professionals able to assess conditions, progress and
suitability of programme participants to work with animals.
- Animal professionals able to identify suitable animals for the pro-
gramme, define care and handling programmes and continuously assess
their welfare; where relevant this should also include competent and
experienced animal trainers. Veterinary professionals should also be in-
volved, to assess the animals’ health, both physical and emotional.
- Environmental professionals who are able to advise on relevant aspects.
- Facilities and resources that enable the programme to run and support
participants, including humans and animals, throughout the duration
of interventions.
- Collaborative networks that enable extended advice and support within
areas not directly addressed by the programme.
- Organizations and institutions managing interventions, where possible,
establishing collaborations with a research department that can follow
up and help to systematically analyse and record data to contribute to
the evidence base in this area.
Ideally, those with experience in the sector would come together to de-
velop guidance on how to measure and analyse interventions so that the
evidence base can be compared and gathered globally.
References
Beck, A.M. and Katcher, A.H. (2003) Future directions in human–animal bond.
Research American Behavioral Scientist 47, 79–93.
Christiansen, S.B., Kristensen, A.T., Sandøe, P. and Lassen, J. (2013) Looking after
chronically ill dogs: impacts on the caregiver’s life. Anthrozoos 25(4), 519–533.
Clower, T.L. and Neaves, T.T. (2015) The Health Care Cost Savings of Pet Ownership.
Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation, Washington, DC. Available