Animal Assisted Therapy

I incorporate my dog, Cassie, into my psychotherapy work. I believe her presence benefits my clients & there are scientific studies to back me up. The use of animals by health professionals in their work is called animal assisted therapy. Numerous studies show that interacting with animals helps people lower their blood pressure, increases engagement & reduces anxiety & depression. This consent form outlines the risks & rules needed to ensure your health & safety (as well as Cassie’s)as we work together. Cassie and I are currently in training, and have worked with professional therapy dog trainers. Cassie still needs to learn some skills to pass her therapy dog certification test. First up will be the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. 

What you need to know: 

1. You may opt to not have Cassie in your sessions. 

2. While Cassie has been screened by a veterinarian before commencing work as a therapy animal, animals do sometimes carry disease. Because your contact is minimal, this risk is very small. Cassie is up to date on all her vaccinations. 

3. While Cassie is a “hypoallergenic” dog (she has hair, not fur) there may still be a risk of an allergic reaction. Please let me know if you typically have allergies to animals. 

4. If you or your child have a fear of dogs (however mild) then animal assisted therapy may not be appropriate for you. Let’s discuss potential risks & benefits prior to the start of our work together. 

5. As Cassie’s handler & as your therapist I will be looking out for your welfare as well as hers. However, it is important to remember that Cassie is an animal & as such can be unpredictable. Cassie is a gentle dog & affectionate dog, however, scratches, jumping, mouthing & unwanted kisses are all possible, especially during her early training. 

6. Animals have individual rights, just as each client has rights. Cassie gets to decide how & when she participates in the sessions. It is important for everyone’s benefit (as well as safety) that she is not coerced or mistreated. She typically greets people enthusiastically & then sleeps. 

7. Clients may not bring their own animal to also be involved in their therapy session. Let me know if you wish me to meet your animal, I can arrange for Cassie to be elsewhere during that session. 

8. Parents or guardians of children under the age of 10 must remain present during sessions. 

9. Confidentiality is important to Cassie. She won’t talk about you, but it is possible she may recognize you outside of a session. Don’t worry she is friendly with most people, so no one needs to know that she actually knows you.