~ Michael J. McCulloch, MD (1981), co-founder of Delta Society, now known as Pet Partners®
Although intuitively known for thousands of years, the benefits of interacting with pets has only been scientifically studied beginning in the latter half of the 20th century. Research began in the 1970’s when visionaries Leo Bustad, a veterinarian, Michael McCulloch, a psychiatrist, his brother William McCulloch, a veterinarian, and several other veterinarians formed The Delta Foundation, now known as Pet Partners. The organization was originally founded to pioneer the scientific study of the health benefits of the human-animal bond. In part because of the efforts of this organization over the past 36 years, there are now several classifications and uses of domestic animals, many of which can be very helpful for children with special needs.
Service dog
A service dog is one that is specially trained to perform a task or tasks that alleviate an owner/handler’s disability. Individuals who utilize service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act to have their dog accompany them into most public places. The ADA no longer recognizes any species other than dogs (or in some cases miniature horses) as service animal. These amazing dogs can be trained to help children with autism, cognitive disorders, mobility limitations, seizures and to alert someone in the case of a medical emergency. There are hundreds of service animal training organizations across the country, but still there is a high demand in relation to a limited supply of dogs. If you are interested in researching the advantages of a service dog, it is never too soon to start the process. Pet Partners has an extensive online directory of service dog trainers: www.petpartners.org/servicedogtrainerdirectory. This directory can be searched by state and disability training type. Please note that these organizations are not necessarily recommended by Pet Partners; their inclusion is meant only as a resource. You are encouraged to read this section of their website for further information and consumer considerations: www.petpartners.org/ConsumerInfo.
Emotional Support Animal
Providing comfort and security, emotional support animals (ESAs) can be very valuable to a family with a special needs child. Although they may also perform some type of “work” for their owner, it is mostly the pet’s mere presence alone that is beneficial. “Unconditional love,” despite the limitations or appearance of their owners, is what most people describe as the biggest benefit gained from the bonds with these animals. People who own ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act to keep these animals in a public housing situation, but the property manager has the right to ask for documentation from a health care provider that the animal(s) is necessary for the person’s health and well-being. As with the ADA, however, the Fair Housing Act requires that the animal does not alter the environment for others; s/he must be held on a leash in public areas, must be well-controlled, clean and quiet. For more information about the Fair Housing Act as it relates to assistance animals, please visit http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/rhiip/phguidebooknew.pdf, section 16.1. Companion Animal or Pet
Although there is no legal definition for these types of animals, research has proven the therapeutic effects of having a pet in the household. For example:
- Owning a pet enhances a child’s self-esteem.
- Having pets teaches children responsibility and respect towards other living beings.
- Children owning a pet are more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores.
Pet Partners’ website has a vast library of articles, abstracts, book references, etc. detailing the beneficial effects of the human-animal bond: https://petpartners.org/Health_Benefits_for_Children.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a relatively recent treatment adjunct for many healthcare professions. AAT can be a significant part of treatment for many people who are physically, socially, emotionally or cognitively challenged. These sessions are more than just “fun” time with an animal; they are goal-oriented, therapist-guided visits with specific desired progress and outcomes. The benefits of AAT are many:
- Improved fine motor skills
- Improved balance
- Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased verbal interaction
- Increased attention
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased vocabulary
- Improved memory
To find a professional that incorporates AAT into his/her practice, please visit www.petpartners.org/aatprofessionals.
Animal-Assisted Activities
Visiting animal programs are increasingly popular in hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, schools and other facilities. Pet Partners registers appropriate pets with their owners as therapy animal teams after the “human end of the leash” passes a comprehensive training program and the team passes an evaluation performed by a licensed Pet Partners Team Evaluator. In institutions where animals are not usually allowed, these visits provide a welcome respite for patients from painful treatments, loneliness and boredom. For children with learning disorders, the presence of a therapy animal can create a comfortable atmosphere where the children exhibit more confidence and readiness to learn.
Pet Partners is the only national therapy animal organization that registers species other than dogs with their owners to provide therapeutic visits to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. Cats, horses, guinea pigs and birds are some of the other animals that are welcome.
To learn more about Pet Partners visit www.petpartners.org or watch their promotional video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXXxfVCA6Y&width=500&height=350&autoplay=0&rel=0
Contributed by Paula Scott-Ginn- Marketing Coordinator / Service Animal Resources with Petpartners
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