Canines on campus: companion animals at postsecondary educational institutions.

AuthorHuss, Rebecca J.
PositionIII. Animal-Assisted Activity Programs, p. 444-453

It is important to distinguish between service animals, assistance animals, and animals used for Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). (129) AAA is more informal, takes place in a variety of environments, and is not targeted at any specific medical condition or person. (130) In contrast, AAT is utilized by a health care or human resources provider, is an integrated part of a treatment process for specific individuals, (131) is used in a wide range of therapies, and is reimbursed by health insurance companies. (132) Additionally, there is a growing trend of college-level training programs offering coursework in the area. (133) One university "employs" a dog raised and trained as a therapy dog that works in the Special Academic Services department and who assists with a graduate student counseling clinic which also services clients from the community. (134) Another university's counseling department uses an Affenpinscher that "sits in on therapy sessions and spends one-on-one time with students." (135)

AAT would not cause administrative issues for most college campuses, as they would be part of a structured program. In addition, because the persons with animals used for AAA and AAT are not required to be accommodated in public accommodations or otherwise under federal law, the decision to allow such animals on campus is at the discretion of the administration of the institution. (136)

  1. Bringing Companion Animals to Campus

    Animal-assisted activities are common at a variety of institutions. These animals (usually dogs) generally are referred to as therapy dogs and the programs often as "pet therapy." (137) The use of animal-assisted activity programs at colleges, although recent in origin, appears to be growing. (138)

    AAA occurs under several circumstances. The dogs may be brought to campus in the aftermath of a traumatic event or in other times of stress for students. (139) One survey found that approximately forty-eight percent of college students had felt overwhelming anxiety at some point in the previous twelve months. (140) Some colleges bring in therapy dogs to help students who are homesick. (141) The period before final exams is also a common time for AAA programs to occur. (142)

    Some of these programs appear to be ad hoc in nature. For example, at one college, three university staff members brought their dogs to campus after being inspired by a "student who lamented that she could always call and talk to...

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