Optimizing Therapy Dog-Handler Team Welfare

John-Tyler Binfet, PhD, is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus.Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Brock University.

• 1. Introduction 2. History of Canine-Assisted Interventions 3. Defining Therapy Dog-Handler Welfare and Understanding Its Role in Research and Programming 4. Determining Dog-Handler Team Suitability for Canine-Assisted Interventions 5. Factors Enhancing and Compromising Welfare 6. Safeguarding Welfare Across Varied Contexts and Clients 7. Policies, Practices, and Within-Session Considerations 8. Conclusion

“Binfet and Tardif-Williams have written an exceptional book that delves into the rapid growth and changes in animal-assisted interventions, particularly focusing on preserving the welfare of therapy dog teams. It emphasizes the crucial importance of supporting good welfare practices for therapy animals. These practices not only benefit the animals themselves but also directly impact the well-being of the participants, the team, and the efficacy of the treatment.The authors present a wealth of practical and insightful suggestions, all firmly rooted in empirical evidence and best practices in the field. This book offers a comprehensive overview of canine-assisted interventions (CAI), significantly enhancing readers' understanding of the subject. The volume is easy to read and provides interesting scenarios and case studies. I wholeheartedly endorse this book for students and professionals interested in practising and researching animal-assisted interventions. This resource will enhance the readers' competencies in CAI and provide immediate, practical guidance for anyone working with therapy animals.”Aubrey Fine, PhD, professor emeritus, Cal Poly State University, Pomona; adjunct professor, Utah State University, Logan; licensed psychologist, author, and speaker“This book is a must-read for those seeking to elevate the standards of canine-assisted interventions. Binfet and Tardif-Williams expertly navigate the complexities of optimizing outcomes for both humans and animals in various therapeutic settings. By masterfully blending research insights with practical applications, the authors provide a roadmap for maximizing therapeutic benefits across diverse settings. Their insights and practical recommendations make this an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and anyone passionate about enhancing the well-being of therapy dogs and their handlers.”Lori Kogan, PhD, editor in chief, Human-Animal Interactions; professor, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University“This is a comprehensive, much-needed guide that seamlessly translates research into safe and effective practice of canine-assisted interventions for various populations, settings and contexts. Emphasizing why and how to optimize the dog-handler relationship, Drs. Binfet and Tardif-Williams provide essential tools and examples to safeguard animal welfare while facilitating positive intervention effects."Patricia Pendry, PhD, professor, Washington State University“Professors Binfet and Tardif-Williams draw from their decades of experience where they have provided people interactions with companion animals in a variety of contexts. Realizing that the welfare of the therapy dog-handler team is centrally important in shaping the outcomes of the interactions, they draw from extensive research to explain the complex factors involved in ensuring dog and handler welfare. Now having strong professional leadership, the field of companion animal interactions can use this book to incorporate the emerging research-based knowledge on criteria for considering animal and human welfare in all current contexts where these interactions are used.”Lynette Hart, PhD, professor emeritus, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine"This book is a timely contribution to the rapidly evolving field of canine-assisted interventions. Drs. Binfet and Tardif-Williams achieved their goal of raising awareness and sparking discussion about the crucial need to safeguard and enhance the welfare of therapy dog-handler teams in both practice and research. The evidence-based, real-life scenarios and thought-provoking questions are an important resource for anyone interested in advancing the field to ensure the well-being of therapy dogs, handlers, and participants alike.”Colleen Dell, PhD, professor and Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness, Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan