creating beneficial human-animal interactions

program STANDARDS

Creating successful animal programs requires planning and attention to detail. Well before animals ever set foot into a facility, detailed policies and procedures must be created that will give the animal program direction, substance and continuity through staff and animal changes.

	What are the goals of this program?
	What specific therapeutic benefits are desired?
	Which department will direct the program?

Detailed animal selection criteria must also be developed.

	What species of animals may participate?
	Will a credential with a national therapy animal registry be required?
	Which national organization?
	Which staff member is responsible for interviewing animals and handlers for appropriateness to the specific facility?

Staff responsibilities must be assigned and protocols for selecting program participants detailed.

	Which individual patients/residents/students will participate in the animal program?
	How will they be identified?
	Which staff member will accompany the handler and animal during their visits?

And finally, policies regarding risk and infection need to be addressed.

	What are the procedures for minimizing risks to participants and for minimizing risks to the animals?
	What must be done if an incident occurs?
	How should accidental animal waste be dealt with?

With detailed program plans in place, facilities provide safe, predictable interaction opportunities for participants, handlers, animals and staff.