One Health and Welfare Considerations for Therapy and Assistance Animals

Question 1

__________ is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals and is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both.

Answer 1

the human-animal bond

Question 2

Describe the difference between service vs emotional support versus therapy

Answer 2

Service – a DOG* specifically training to help someone with a specific disability or need. They are protected by the ADA and are legally allowed in public places with the person they are assisting.

Emotional support – any species that has no formal training; they are NOT covered by the ADA and are not granted public access rights to housing or airplanes; they provide companionship, relieve loneliness and can help with anxiety or depression

therapy – personal pet that is trained to provide companionship and therapy to the general public; they are NOT protected under any laws and are not granted public access unless specifically invited.

Question 3

what are the 2 questions the public is legally allowed to ask to determine if an animal is a service animal?

Answer 3

1. do you need the animal because of a disability
2. what work/task is this animal trained to perform?

Question 4

which type of animal(s) is/are covered by the air carrier access act (ACAA)?

Answer 4

service animals ONLY

Question 5

which type of animal(s) is/are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Answer 5

service animals ONLY

Question 6

which type of animal(s) is/are covered by the fair housing act (FHA)?

Answer 6

service animals, service animals in training, and emotional support animals

Question 7

T/F: therapy animals have no legal protection under the ADA, ACAA, or FHA

Answer 7

true

Question 8

T/F: service animals are the only assistance animals required to have formal training

Answer 8

true

Question 9

T/F: service animals are required to have visible identification / proof of training

Answer 9

false – no assistance animal type is required to have this.

Question 10

which assistance animal type is required to have paper identification?

Answer 10

emotional support animals

Question 11

what are the 3 main types of assistance dogs in the US?

Answer 11

1. guide dogs
2. hearing dogs
3. service dogs

Question 12

T/F: an animal assisted activity is defined as an activity involving an assistance animal that has a specific goal in mind to achieve a specific purpose

Answer 12

false – this describes animal assisted therapy/education

animal assisted activities are casual interactions with no specific goal/purpose.

Question 13

T/F: VT therapy dogs are a good example of animal assisted activities

Answer 13

false – this is animal assisted therapy

Question 14

what is the biggest one health consideration in regard to assistance animals?

Answer 14

the relationship is bidirectional, so animals can transmit zoonotic diseases and vice versa.
steps need to be taken to mitigate risks and to maintain good animal and human welfare.

Question 15

When it comes to veterinarians interacting with assistance animals, what are key things to ensure?

Answer 15

1. compliance with HIPPA (do not put clients diagnosis or condition in the medical record, only indicate ‘has service animal’)
2. ask before interacting/petting
3. keep client and animal together
4. continuously narrate the exam
5. emphasize the working relationship
6. have a comprehensive wellness plan
7. ensure access for the client

Question 16

what specific medical components would you like to routinely assess in dogs with a ‘pulling’ task or picking up items?

Answer 16

• ortho exam
• physical therapy / fitness training
• dental

Question 17

what are the 3 most common reasons for assistance animal retirement?

Answer 17

• musculoskeletal (ex arthritis)
• neurologic (ex. epilepsy)
• skin (ex. atopic dermatitis)