Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the review by L. Meers, L. Contalbrigo, S. Normando and colleagues analyzed research from 2001–2022 to assess welfare concerns for dogs involved in canine-assisted interventions (CAIs). These interventions include therapeutic, recreational, and educational programs in which dogs play a central role in assisting human clients.
The review emphasizes that CAIs vary widely in structure, goals, and implementation, yet share a critical dependency on the dog’s health, wellbeing, and behavioral stability. Dogs in these programs often work with vulnerable populations—including children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised clients—making welfare issues a matter of both ethical concern and public health relevance.
Using the Welfare Quality® framework, which evaluates welfare across behavior, health, environment, and management, the authors found that dogs in CAIs must cope with diverse, fluctuating variables. These include unpredictable client behavior, demanding schedules, inconsistent handling practices, frequent environmental changes, and emotional demands that may lead to stress or burnout-like conditions in the dog.
Critically, compromised welfare can affect not only the dog but also human participants. A stressed or unwell dog may show negative behaviors, increasing the risk of incidents. Additionally, welfare deficits may elevate the potential for zoonotic disease transmission, particularly concerning when CAI clients belong to medically vulnerable groups.
The authors argue that regular welfare assessments should become standard practice within CAIs. Such assessments would support dog wellbeing, enhance the quality and safety of therapeutic sessions, and protect human participants. This approach frames animal welfare as a form of preventative medicine that benefits both species.
Source: Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L., and colleagues, including S. Normando. (2022). Canine-Assisted Interventions and the Relevance of Welfare Assessments for Human Health, and Transmission of Zoonosis: A Literature Review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Published 17 June 2022.
