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

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of animal-assisted interventions (animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted education, and animal-assisted activities) and its benefits in various settings.
• Explore the developmental and psychosocial effects of AAI across the lifespan.
• Analyze the similarities and differences between therapy animals, service animals, facility dogs, and emotional support animals.
• Evaluate best practice when partnering with animals in professional practice.
• Apply academic skills and knowledge to address a community need, issue, or problem (service-learning).
• 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)
• AAI for Populations Across the Lifespan

---

Syllabus

Select Faculty / Instructor to download syllabus:   Whitten, Stephanie

---