Defining Animal Activity Options
| Volunteer Visiting Animal/Handler Teams |
Includes pets that accompany their handlers for scheduled or spontaneous animal assisted activity (AAA) visits to a facility.
- Volunteers may be part of an organized group or individuals from local therapy dog/animal groups, humane societies or shelters, or 4-H clubs.
- Volunteers may include residents' family members or friends who bring their own pets or the resident's pet to visit.
- Handlers should show proof that their animals are on a wellness program with a veterinarian, especially rabies vaccination.
- Facilities may require volunteer visiting animals to be registered with a national therapy animal organization.
- Facilities should establish policies and procedures to govern all animal activities.
- Facilities may or may not have written objectives stating the reason for the animals being there.
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| Working Companion Animals |
Includes animals that accompany a facility employee for all or part of their work shift and go home with the owner at the end of the shift.
- Animals may be formally included in facility activities such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, or they may have spontaneous interactions with residents and staff.
- Animals should be screened by animal professionals for health and temperament prior to being allowed into the facility.
- Animals should be on a wellness program with a veterinarian.
- Facilities should require working animals to be registered with a national therapy animal organization.
- Facilities should develop a care plan for each working animal and written objectives stating the purpose of the animal being there. Care pans should be reviewed and evaluated twice a year.
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Includes animals that live at the facility (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and are cared for by staff and residents.
- Animals should be screened by animal professionals for health and temperament prior to being allowed into the facility.
- Animals should be on a wellness program with a veterinarian.
- Facilities should develop a care plan for each live-in animal and written objectives stating the purpose of the animal being there. Care plans should be reviewed and evaluated at least twice a year.
- Facilities should designate several staff members and residents (where possible) to receive special training by animal professionals on aninal care.
- Some animals should be formally included in facility activities such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy when possible; others may have spontaneous interactions with residents and staff.
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Includes contact with natural wildlife around a facility, eg, butterflies, birds, deer, squirrels, etc.
- Consider installing feeders for squirrels and birds and planting a garden to attract butterflies.
- Be sure to locate feeders and gardens in places that are accessible or visible to the residents for optimal enjoyment.
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- Visit a local zoo.
- Formally adopt an animal at the zoo.
- Visit area historical farms, nature centers, and parks.
- Invite local 4-H clubs to do programs with either farm or companion animals.
- Visit local fairs or the state fair.
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| Plush Animals and Puppets |
Includes use of plush stuffed animals and puppets which can have beneficial effects regardless of a person's age.
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