Find an animal-assisted intervention professional
Animal-assisted interventions are based on interaction between a person, an animal and a professional within planned and supervised activities. They may be offered in care homes, social and healthcare facilities, organizations supporting people with disabilities, educational settings and certain healthcare establishments. Interventions are designed according to the audience, the organization’s project and objectives defined with the professionals supporting the participants.
What are animal-assisted interventions?
Animal-assisted interventions use the presence of and interaction with an animal as part of a support programme. The animal participates alongside the professional and the beneficiary within a planned framework.
An intervention may include different activities adapted to participants, such as observing the animal, interacting with it, supervised basic care, games, movement or other activities designed as part of the programme. Content depends on the audience, organization and agreed objectives.
Animal-assisted interventions in care homes and healthcare settings
Interventions may be organized in residential and nursing homes and other facilities supporting older people. The programme is designed according to residents’ profiles, the way the facility operates and objectives defined with the team supporting them.
Animal-assisted interventions may also form part of certain projects in healthcare settings. Intervention conditions, hygiene and safety requirements and the responsibilities of those involved should then be defined with the establishment concerned.
Animal-assisted interventions in social care settings
Animal-assisted programmes may be implemented in organizations and services supporting people with disabilities or specific needs. Sessions may be individual or group-based depending on the programme.
The professional works with the organization to understand the audience, location constraints, safety requirements and programme objectives. This preparation helps adapt activities to participants and the animals involved.
Animal-assisted interventions for children and educational settings
Animal-assisted interventions may also be offered to children and young people in educational, social or specialist settings. Activities are selected according to age, context, group needs and the programme defined with the organization.
Depending on the situation, the animal may support different interaction, observation or participation activities. The framework and objectives should remain adapted to the people involved and the animal’s abilities.
How is an animal-assisted programme designed?
For an organization, the first step generally involves defining the intended audience, identified needs, intervention framework and objectives. The professional can then suggest a suitable format, such as a one-off session, a programme of several interventions, individual activities or group sessions.
The programme may also specify session frequency and duration, the number of participants, spaces used, animals involved and coordination arrangements with the organization’s team.
Which animals can take part in animal-assisted interventions?
Different species may take part in animal-assisted programmes depending on the professional and context, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, equines and other animals suited to the programme. Selection depends not only on species but also on the individual animal’s characteristics and behaviour.
Animal welfare is an integral part of session planning. Transport conditions, location, intervention duration, rest periods and interactions with participants should all be considered when preparing the programme.
Hygiene, safety and animal welfare
Introducing an animal into an establishment requires preparation suited to the location and audience. Access conditions, hygiene requirements, potential risks and practical organization should be considered with the facility before interventions begin.
Safety concerns participants, professionals and animals alike. The animal’s behaviour and reactions should be observed during sessions to maintain appropriate interaction conditions.
How to choose an animal-assisted intervention professional
An organization can begin by reviewing the professional’s background, training, experience with the relevant audience, the animals they work with and the way they design their programmes.
Before setting up a programme, discuss objectives, intervention conditions, proposed frequency, safety requirements, animal welfare, insurance and coordination with the establishment’s teams.
Animal-assisted interventions and therapeutic objectives
Not all animal-assisted interventions have a therapeutic purpose. Depending on the context and audience, they may form part of social, educational, recreational or support programmes.
When an intervention has a therapeutic purpose, it should take place within the appropriate professional framework and be coordinated with the relevant healthcare professionals. An organization should therefore clearly define the nature and objectives of the programme before choosing a practitioner.
Find an animal-assisted intervention professional on Prousty & Co
Prousty & Co allows establishments, organizations, families and individuals to search for professionals offering animal-assisted interventions. Use the location filters to discover professionals operating in your region or city.
Review the information available on profiles and contact professionals directly to present your establishment, the intended audience and the programme you would like to develop.