Standards for Health and Welfareof Dogs Working in a Range

of Interventions

These Standards of Practice are designed to help and encourage individuals, organisations, institutions and health and human service providers who are interested in or are providing and/or training a dog for an animal assisted intervention (AAI) programme. These standards are minimum expectations for Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII) membership. All programmes are encouraged to work at levels above the minimum standards. These standards must be read in conjunction with any national regulations in force.

This Standards of Practice Document specifically refers to dogs. Please refer to Glossary of Terms for definitions.

Preface

Standards of Practice for Animal Assisted Intervention: Health and Welfare of DogsRevised January 17, 2015 1

Basic needs and rights of the dog

Dogs in AAI programmes must be given freedom of choice backed by appropriate training and guidance for the population, skill, frequency, and duration of sessions. The dog handler must monitor the dog's behaviour and give it appropriate breaks at the first sign of stress.

The dog must be subject to the “Five Freedoms” originally formulated by the so-called Brambell Report (FAWC, (2009). Farm Dog Welfare Council- 5 Freedoms. Retrieved January 1, 2012. Website: http://www.fawc.org.uk/freedoms.htm)

1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2. Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease by prevention and/or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions that avoid mental suffering.

5. Freedom to express most normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the dogs own kind.

Trainers and handlers must use positive reinforcement/reward based (food, toys, verbal cues, touch, etc.) techniques to train and engage the dogs.

Choke chains, prong collars, martingale collars, electronic devices that administer negative or harmful stimuli must not be used.

Dogs must be introduced with therapy/recreational/classroom supplies and equipment, and the environment prior to working in structured session.

Dogs must be given appropriate breaks during training and only undertake activities appropriate to their stage of training and development.

Dogs must be re-evaluated at least yearly (or when there is a change in health, population, or environment) for the type of work, population, environment, duration, distance work, etc. according to the demand of the typical working conditions for that team.

Standards of Practice for Animal Assisted Intervention: Revised January 17, 2015 2

Health and Welfare of Dogs

Training and Handling

Dog waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of in an appropriate place. The dog handler must practice hand-washing and standard precautions for hygiene and infection control on a regular basis.

The dog must be under regular veterinarian supervision, and its individual file must contain proof of current vaccinations, parasite prevention, and healthcare based on regional requirements, skills, population preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Routine evaluations by a licensed veterinarian and prevention procedures shall be in place for internal and external parasites (e.g. heartworm, fleas, ticks, etc.).

The dog must have complete medical clearance from veterinarian to participate in AAI and must not have any serious health problems (e.g. hip/elbow problems, Leishmaniasis).

If the dog is under veterinary care for illness, injury, or pregnancy, it must not work during the time of gestation/nursing or treatment until the veterinarian approves of the dog's return to service.

The dog must be kept clean and free of hair tangles and offensive odour. The same applies to all AAI equipment (e.g. toys, blankets).

Dogs showing signs of anxiety or aggression must not participate in AAI sessions.

AAI activity must be avoided in food preparation, medication, and infection sensitive areas, as well any other areas specified by facility rules.

During sessions, the welfare of the dog must be considered at all times. Dogs must be monitored closely for clinical signs of stress, injury, illness, fear and fatigue. Stress levels in dogs must be minimized before, during and after each AAI session.

Dogs must never be placed in situations in which they could be at physical or emotional risk. Dogs must not be abused, choked in any way or forced to do anything against their will.

The dog handler must educate the client about dog handling and safety rules prior to and during the interaction with the dog. The client will treat the dog with appreciation and respect. In cases in which the client is a young child or has a mental disability, the dog handler must take responsibility for the welfare of the dog.

Health and welfare of the dog

Standards of Practice for Animal Assisted Intervention: Revised January 17, 2015 3

Health and Welfare of Dogs

Welfare of the dog during AAI sessions

Standards of Practice for Animal Assisted Intervention: Revised January 17, 2015 4

Health and Welfare of Dogs

If the dog is not participating directly in a session, it must not be present. The dog must be integral to the session; otherwise it could be better served on break or resting.

The dog must have access to an appropriate area and be given opportunities, as required, for rest, access to water, and access to toileting facilities before and after each session. Only the dog handler should have access to the dog during these periods.

Sessions must last a maximum of one hour. Resting periods between sessions must last at least half an hour.

The dog must not mix with unfamiliar dogs on site without careful consideration and supervision. If more than one dog is used in a working session, the dogs must have time to familiarize themselves with each other in advance. Predator and prey dogs must not mix.

A maximum duration and frequency for interaction with one dog must be agreed upon in advance of an AAI session and must not be exceeded. Sessions must be terminated immediately if the dog's welfare is in danger of being compromised.

Dogs must enjoy specific situations (e.g. crowding) and interactions with various persons (e.g. persons with unusual or brusque movements, persons using wheelchairs, crutches or other equipment). The dog must enjoy being touched, petted and brushed by persons, even strangers. The dog must have a good level of adaptability and maintain an even temperament in unusual environments and situations.

Dogs must reach mental maturity, be potty trained, and have excellent basic obedience skills before being involved directly in AAI sessions. This is usually around 12 months old, but depends on the recognized age of maturity in each breed type, as some breeds take longer to mature. The exception to this rule is if the puppy is part of an assistance dog-training programme. Younger dogs may need to experience similar environments and population groups but not as an integral part of the intervention.

The dog's appropriate age of retirement will depend on tasks that are required of it and the breed type. Good observations and regular assessments are important for working dogs, and must occur more frequently with aging dogs. If their behaviour, health, or welfare becomes compromised due to age, they must no longer be involved in AAI. The questions that need to be asked include the following:

- Does the dog still want to participate and engage? - Does the dog still understand the cues? -Does the dog easily perform the tasks?

Welfare of the dog during AAI sessions