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

Author

Listed:
  • Aubrey H. Fine

    (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona- Department of Education 3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA)

  • Alan M. Beck

    (Center for Human-Animal Bond, College Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Zenithson Ng

    (University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA)

Abstract

As the worldwide popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) increases, the field is quickly approaching a paradigm shift, adjusting its image to incorporate more evidence-based research and aligning its purpose for advancing a new future. Contemporary critical issues that confront the field today include, but are not limited, to research, animal welfare, practice guidelines, and public policy. This article will provide an overview of the history of AAI and the major milestones that the field has undergone. The current state of AAI research will be scrutinized, and the areas that warrant further study will be recommended. Special attention will be given to the current state of animal welfare in AAI, the research that has been done in the area, and practice guidelines that safeguard animal wellbeing. This article will then discuss how evidence-based research and animal welfare guidelines inform the development of comprehensive professional standards and influence changes in public policy regarding AAI. The authors’ perceptions for the field’s future trajectory will be presented, which will include solutions to move the field in the direction that best advances the human-animal bond in research, practice, and public perception.

Suggested Citation

  • Aubrey H. Fine & Alan M. Beck & Zenithson Ng, 2019. "The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues That Will Shape the Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3997-:d:278204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Aubrey H. Fine, 2020. "The Psycho-Social Impact of Human-Animal Interactions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-4, June.
    2. Sonya McDowall & Susan J. Hazel & Mia Cobb & Anne Hamilton-Bruce, 2023. "Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs in Human Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Imre Zoltán Pelyva & Réka Kresák & Etelka Szovák & Ákos Levente Tóth, 2020. "How Equine-Assisted Activities Affect the Prosocial Behavior of Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
    4. M. Anne Hamilton-Bruce & Janette Young & Carmel Nottle & Susan J. Hazel & Austin G. Milton & Sonya McDowall & Ben Mani & Simon Koblar, 2023. "Developing and Planning a Protocol for Implementing Health Promoting Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in a Tertiary Health Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-25, September.

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