More than a Four-Legged Friend: The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions
HDFS 4890S/6890S
3 hours
More than a Four-Legged Friend: The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions
Course Description
Examination of the benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in healthcare and community settings. The significance of the human-animal bond and its relevance in therapeutic interventions will be explored. Information about the history, evolution, ethical and safety considerations, and animal welfare will also be studied. Course is designed for students pursuing careers in healthcare, social work, counseling, education, or other health and human service fields.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will develop a program proposal for creating an animal-assisted intervention program in a setting such as a school, college or university, hospital, camp setting, hospice, or outpatient rehab. Graduate students will also present their proposal through a mock proposal presentation. The overall goal of this graduate requirement is to allow students to gain experience and develop introductory skills in program proposal by applying research, evidence, and course knowledge to address a need in a healthcare or community setting.
Athena Title
Benefits of Animal Assisted
Undergraduate Prerequisite
HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100E or HDFS 2100H or HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of animal-assisted interventions (animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted education, and animal-assisted activities) and its benefits in various settings.
Students will explore the developmental and psychosocial effects of AAI across the lifespan.
Students will analyze the similarities and differences between therapy animals, service animals, facility dogs, and emotional support animals.
Students will evaluate best practice when partnering with animals in professional practice and engage and motivate others toward a shared vision through encouragement and trust as they address a community need.
Students will apply academic skills and knowledge to address a community need, issue, or problem (service-learning), and consider and incorporate perspectives and feedback from group members and other collaborators.
Students will develop self-reflective practice by critically reflecting on the service-learning activity.
Topical Outline
The Conceptualization of the Human-Animal Bond
Historical Perspective and Evolution
Therapeutic Roles, Psychosocial Health Effects, and Wellness Benefits
Theoretical and Developmental Perspectives
Ethical and Safety Considerations
Research, Evidence Based Practice, Public Policy
Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding
AAI in Various Settings (healthcare settings, schools)
