Animal-assisted Therapy Research Articles

Initial Psychometric Evaluation of a Service Dog Attraction Assessment Grid for Youth With ASD and Related Disorders

ABSTRACT Animal-assisted interventions, such as the use of service dogs, represent an increasingly popular therapeutic avenue for youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Before engaging anyone in this type of intervention, it could be justified to assess their level of attraction to animals. However, this aspect is rarely documented, and no existing instrument suits the specific challenges of ASD clients and the reality of the clinical setting. This paper describes the use and preliminary validation of an observation-based assessment tool developed by the Mira Foundation to evaluate the level of attraction toward dogs. The 9-item scale has been used by the team throughout the evaluation process of 1,010 potential candidates for a service dog. It is designed to describe and quantify observed behaviors during a standardized encounter with a non-familiar dog. The participants were aged between 2 and 26 years old (mean age = 8.13, SD = 4.3 years) and 87% had an ASD diagnosis. A total of 323 participants were assessed by a second rater, which allowed for interrater reliability analyses on each item of the scale. The factorial structure of the scale was determined by applying an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on one-half of the sample, followed by a cross-validation study consisting of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the other half. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Based on weighted kappa statistics, interrater reliability showed strong agreement for individual items (Kw between 0.66 and 0.85). A two-factor solution was produced with EFA and confirmed through CFA. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89 when items from the first factor (attitude) were combined and 0.92 for the second factor (interaction) indicated good internal consistency for the identified subscales. These findings support the reliability of this assessment tool and its potential use in clinical and research domains.

The perspectives of clinical level medical students on animal-assisted therapy: a study in Ghana

BackgroundThe role of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in complementary and alternative medicine is well acknowledged. AAT is widely patronized, in developed countries such as USA, Canada, and many European countries, but less so in developing countries in Africa including Ghana. For persons in developing African countries and elsewhere to benefit from AAT, healthcare professionals must be acquainted with it recommend it to their patients when necessary. This study therefore assessed the perspectives of clinical-level medical students on AAT.MethodA semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a cross-sectional study from 206 randomly selected clinical-level medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 26) and the results were presented in Tables and charts. The association between demographic variables and the knowledge and attitude of the students were determined using ANOVA, while bivariate Pearson’s correlation was used to measure the relationships between continuous variables. Associations were considered significant when p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe knowledge about AAT among the medical students was very poor (0.971 ± 2.407 over 10; 9.7%); almost all of them (≈ 99.0%) had very little or no exposure to AAT in school or at home. The attitude of the students was however averagely positive (3.845 ± 0.748 over 7; 54.9%), with a perceived health benefit of ATT score of 4.768 ± 1.002 (68.1%). The motivation of the students to acquire more knowledge and skills about AAT mostly through lectures and practical sessions (70.9%) was good (4.809 ± 1.221; 68.7%). Female students were significantly more knowledgeable about AAT than their male counterparts (1.5 versus 0.6; p-value = 0.006). No other sociodemographic characteristics had any significant association with knowledge, attitude, and perception of benefit variables. However, a significant positive relationship was found to exist between the students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of animal-assisted therapy (r ≥ 0.236; p-value ≤ 0.001).ConclusionWe conclude that the knowledge about AAT among medical students is inadequate and this is worrying given the beneficial complementary role of AAT in achieving SDG 3. Medical schools and their regulators in Ghana should incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lessons in their training curricula. For practising medical doctors, topics on CAM should be discussed during their Continuous Professional Development sessions. With better knowledge, physicians would possibly be more willing and confident in recommending this useful complementary and alternative medicine to patients who may seek other forms of therapy besides conventional medicine or which will augment the orthodox medication the patients may have been using to treat their conditions.

Animal-Assisted Interventions: Factors Affecting Donkey Behaviours and Attitude Toward Humans

The relationship between humans and donkeys has ancient origins. In recent years, donkeys’ involvement in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) has grown, raising major concerns about their welfare during these activities. We investigated the factors affecting donkeys’ behaviour during an AAI programme for migrants. We observed an effect of human distance from the animal, the interaction mode, and food presence on the animals’ behaviours and attitudes toward humans. Moreover, we provide preliminary evidence of the effect of AAI on migrants’ welfare and prosocial behaviours and offer insights into the issues to address in future studies.

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.

Comparing the mental effects of interacting with farm animals and walking in a botanical garden.

Over the past two decades, farm animal-assisted therapies have become popular. However, the effects of farm animals on healthy people's mental states have not yet been investigated. In Study 1, we aimed to explore whether positive effects of human-animal interaction (HAI) can be detected in healthy farm volunteers even after short-term (2-3 hours) work with goats and goatlings on a goat farm. We found that the participants' state anxiety decreased (p < 0.001) while their trust levels increased (p < 0.001) after interacting with goats. Nevertheless, it is possible that time spent in nature alone can have a beneficial effect on well-being. Therefore, in Study 2, we compared the results of Study 1 with those of a similar short-term outdoor treatment, walking in a botanical garden as a visitor. Similar but smaller effects were found for garden visitors. Decreases in anxiety scores and increases in trust scores were more pronounced in farm volunteers (anxiety: 25% vs 13%, p < 0.001; trust: 13% vs 3%, p = 0.002) after the treatments. Overall, the results suggest that the novel experience of interacting with goats and goatlings has a more positive effect on the mental state of healthy humans than walking in a botanical garden. This finding offer a strong foundation for developing animal assisted therapy methods for individuals with short or long term mental problems, but they can also enhance the wellbeing of mentally healthy people.

Benefits of Pet Therapy for Children and Young Adults

Abstract: With the development of psychology, the mental health of children is paid more attention than before. Reducing attachment to parents and anxiety are common mental issues in children. People need to focus on the mental health of the children. There have been several studies about the function of pets and how they positively or negatively support adults' mental condition. With the increasing number of pets owned, pets play an important role in several families. Pets play an essential role in affecting children's mental health. Pet therapy is an example of how pets impact the mental condition of children. This research focuses on how pets can work in pet therapy to help children reduce mental stress and how pets in their daily lives can help young adults and children perform better social development. The research reviews several previous study papers about pets' influence on children's mental and social development. The research finds that pet therapy can help children with physical health and disabled children reduce their mental stress from the environment and society. In their daily lives, children in families with pets benefit from socio-emotional development and get social support from pets.

ANÁLISE DA PERCEPÇÃO DE PAIS E RESPONSÁVEIS SOBRE A EQUOTERAPIA PARA CRIANÇAS COM AUTISMO: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA DE 2013 A 2023.

Equine therapy brings numerous benefits to practitioners, improving motor, cognitive, and emotional development. Due to this range of contributions, doctors and multidisciplinary teams recommend equine therapy as an alternative therapy, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder due to its benefits. Animal-assisted therapy has been demystified over time and has become the option for caregivers and/or parents. The basis of the scientific study will be basic research with a bibliographic review of the literature. Objective: The project is based on the bias of presenting the perception of parents and/or guardians of children diagnosed with autism in relation to the care process offered by an equine therapy center. Method: It used the Integrative Literature Review (ILR) in six stages, addressing everything from problem definition to critical data analysis. Articles in Portuguese and Spanish from 2013 to 2023 were included, using the LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases with descriptors related to equine therapy and autism. Results: Indicate that equine therapy provides significant benefits, such as increased self-esteem, improvements in socialization, anxiety control and development of social skills. The research highlights the importance of the bond between practitioners and animals, as well as the fundamental role of the multidisciplinary approach in treatment. Parents in all reviewed studies reported improvements in the quality of life of practitioners. Conclusion: Equine therapy shows itself to be a promising therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, contributing significantly to the development of self-esteem, mental health, social skills, emotional control and independence. Parents' perceptions are fundamental to understanding the effectiveness of these therapies, but reveal gaps when compared to professionals' views. This highlights the need for research on the topic.

Can sheep help to improve positive emotions, mindfulness, and self-efficacy expectancy? A pilot study of animal-assisted intervention as an enhanced CBT-based therapy for substance use disorders.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common, and there is evidence of clinically significant benefit of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The efficacy of CBT in SUDs has been confirmed, although relapse rates of 40%-60% have been reported. An enhancement of CBT-based therapy through an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) with sheep to normalize the occurrence of negative emotions and improve positive emotions as well as mindfulness and self-efficacy expectancy was investigated. A single-session AAI with sheep in a group setting was investigated against treatment as usual over time. N = 36 psychiatric inpatients with SUDs were examined by questionnaires before and 1 week after the intervention and additionally immediately after the intervention. Positive emotions improved significantly in the AAI group 1 week after the intervention with a medium effect size, but not in the control group. Similarly, mindfulness and self-efficacy expectancy improved over time in the AAI group. When exploratory results were evaluated immediately after the intervention while still on the farm, the effects in favor of AAI were even larger. AAI can thus be considered effective in improving positive emotions, mindfulness, and self-efficacy expectancy. The impressive effect sizes immediately after the intervention encourage us to consider what can be done to maintain these even greater effect sizes over time. https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00027539, identifier DRKS 00027539.

The Experiences of Motor Skill Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Reflected through Parental Responses.

Background/Objectives: Understanding movement development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for creating effective intervention strategies. This study aims to explore parental perspectives on the movement development of children with ASD, focusing on identifying common challenges and successful strategies. The objective is to analyze the experiences of parents to highlight the most effective approaches to support motor, communication, and social skills development in these children. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with parents of children with ASD. The data were analyzed using open and selective coding to identify key themes related to movement development challenges and strategies. The analysis included cross-referencing with the existing literature to support parental insights. Results: This study identified several key themes, including communication barriers, social interaction difficulties, and the importance of personalized movement programs. Parents reported significant challenges in understanding and addressing their children's movement needs, particularly in group settings. However, activities such as water programs, music and dance, and animal-assisted therapies were found to be highly engaging. Motivation was a critical factor, with rewards and active parental involvement enhancing participation. Conclusions: This study highlights the crucial role of a supportive environment, including professional guidance and family support, in the success of movement development programs.

Unconventional Animal Species Participation in Animal-Assisted Interventions and Methods for Measuring Their Experienced Stress.

The participation of animals during complementary therapy for humans is a developing area. Dogs and horses are the most frequent partner species in animal-assisted services, but several unconventional species have also been involved, although there is a lack of information about the stress they experience caused by AAS. We conducted a comprehensive literature search, analyzing 135 articles with the purpose of investigating the effects of AAS on unconventional species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, farm animals, alpacas, donkeys, reptiles, aquarium fishes, and dolphins. We found that the relevant articles emphasize investigating the impact of animal-assisted interventions on humans, and they generally report positive outcomes. Limited data is available concerning the potential consequences the interventions may have on the animals. Therefore, it is our conclusion that more extensive studies should be conducted to get adequate information on stress experienced by animals during AAS, such as the measurement of biochemical parameters such as cortisol. Hence, meeting animal welfare considerations in addition to human interests could serve as a basis for the recommended methodology for therapies.

Efficacy of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in the Development of Children With Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dog-assisted intervention program in occupational therapy (OT) sessions in the treatment of children with Down syndrome (DS). A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 14 children with DS (9–12 years old) randomly distributed into two groups: control and experimental. Both received 12 OT sessions, one per week. The experimental group also received dog-assisted therapy. To evaluate the effects of the program, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI), the Test of Playfulness (ToP), an ethogram of positive and negative social behaviors, and comparisons of vasopressin levels in the urine of children upon awakening and after sessions were used. The results showed that after the conventional intervention, the control group had a significant increase in visual perception and attention scores. The experimental group showed a significantly higher frequency of satisfaction and interactivity behaviors. We found that the presence of the dog maximizes the social skills of children with DS and increases their engagement in positive social interactions; however, conventional OT sessions were more effective with visual-motor performance. No physiological changes were observed in either group after the intervention.

The role of the human-canine bond in recovery from substance use disorder: A scoping review and narrative synthesis

Abstract Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is a personal journey that includes connection with self and others, including animals – known as the human-animal bond (HAB). Research shows that canines are the most common type of animal integrated into animal-assisted interventions to support people with SUD. Yet, to our knowledge, there has been no review of the evidence on the role of canines in SUD recovery. The scoping review’s objective was to examine the literature on the human-canine bond’s role in recovery from SUD among adolescents and adults, including how the bond may help or hinder recovery. The review considered records that described the human-canine bond with respect to recovery in any recovery- or therapy-related setting globally. Eleven databases were searched, and 32 sources met inclusion criteria that involved companion dogs, therapy dogs, service/assistance, dogs and others. The thematic analysis across records identified three key benefits of the human-canine bond in SUD recovery: (1) a source of social connection and a conduit for human-to-human social connection, (2) a calming and comforting effect on individuals with SUD that can reduce stress and anxiety, and (3) the human-canine bond as a motivating factor for positive change. Through these themes, the bond may help divert substance use-related thoughts and reduce cravings, bolster engagement in treatment and recovery, and help to decrease and prevent substance use. However, a few articles found no role or a limited role of the human-canine bond in recovery, and challenges and considerations were reported, particularly for marginalized populations (e.g., related to obtaining and maintaining housing, employment, and SUD treatment). Most of the records discussed canine welfare in some capacity. Calls were also made for improved policy, public awareness, and animal welfare.

Perceptions and Experiences of Animal-Assisted Interventions for People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.

To synthesise stakeholders' experiences and perceptions of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for people with dementia in community care settings. Qualitative evidence synthesis. We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and AgeLine for potentially eligible studies. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data from included studies. We assessed the methodological limitations of included studies using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and used Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) tool to assess confidence in review findings. This review is reported using the ENTREQ checklist. We included 14 reports from 11 studies and developed three analytical themes incorporating a gardening analogy: planting-connecting with animals, growing-engaging in AAI and nurturing-making AAI work; and six subthemes: willingness to connect, building relationships, a rich experience, the benefits of AAI, individualised and holistic approach and training and support, with 15 key findings. This review describes people's experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia, and provides recommendations on the development and implementation of AAI, with moderate to high confidence. Nurses need to consider the factors that influence the implementation of AAI identified in this review, to facilitate engagement and long-term impacts while adopting AAI in community care settings. This review may enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of AAI for people with dementia in community care settings. AAI is a complex intervention that can be delivered in varied manner. A multicomponent, flexible and individualised AAI is important. Additional training and education for staff are needed. A man with dementia and his wife who share a love of dogs, advised at each step of the review, providing insights and perspectives and contributing as co-authors.

Animal-assisted services for adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders: A scoping review.

There is increasing interest in the incorporation of animal-assisted services (AAS) in therapy for adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. AAS have the potential to enhance speech and language therapy engagement and outcomes. However, a greater understanding of the nature and potential benefits of these interventions is needed. To describe the existing evidence for the incorporation of AAS in therapy with adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders and to identify areas for future research. A scoping review was conducted and reported in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses checklist extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature (Google) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts against eligibility criteria using Covidence software. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist guided extraction of intervention data. A total of 17 studies with adults with aphasia, apraxia of speech and cognitive-communication disorders were included. While terminology varied, most interventions met the definition of animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activity and used therapy dogs. Across studies, a range of outcomes were targeted, and positive benefits were reported for participant mood, emotions, motivation and satisfaction. There were mixed, but mostly positive, benefits on social behaviour, communication and participation. AAS has been incorporated in therapy for adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders, predominately with people with dementia. Across studies, communication impairments and AAS interventions were insufficiently or inconsistently described. Improved reporting would assist understanding of the potential benefits of AAS as an adjunct therapy. A quality appraisal of existing studies, and meta-analysis of findings, is needed to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of AAS as a complementary therapy for people with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. What is already known on this subject There is increasing interest and research in AAS as an adjunct to traditional speech and language therapy. Several clinical populations have been shown to benefit from the incorporation of AAS as a complementary therapy approach, including adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. To date there has not been a comprehensive review of literature in the area. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This review aimed to describe what is known about AAS as an adjunct intervention for adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. A total of 17 studies were identified, the majority conducted with people living with dementia. Overall, consistent positive benefits of AAS were reported on participant mood, positive emotions, motivation, and satisfaction. There were mixed, but mostly positive, benefits of AAS on social behaviour, including both verbal and non-verbal communication outcomes, and participation. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for the inclusion of AAS into traditional modalities used by speech-language therapists with people with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. However, clinicians should view these findings with caution. Studies were often insufficiently or inconsistently reported, and a quality appraisal and meta-analysis of existing studies would be needed to draw clear conclusions on the effectiveness of AAS as a complementary approach for people with acquired neurogenic communication disorders.

Nurse Well-Being Interventions: The Nurse’s Voice

BackgroundMoral injury negatively influences nurse well-being, which may increase nurse burnout. Nurse leaders are acutely aware of moral injury impact; however, few studies represent the direct care nurse’s recommendations for interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted surveying direct care nurses from 7 hospitals exploring nurse moral injury and preferences for nurse well-being interventions including an open-text format. ResultsNurses selected pet therapy (58%) and mindfulness reflection (44.3%) as priority interventions. Two core interventional themes emerged: well-being and work environment. ConclusionManageable workloads and healthy unit cultures are desired, alongside well-being interventions to mitigate moral injury.

Feasibility of Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Treatment of Depression

The objective of this review is to assess the potential inclusion of animal-assisted therapy practices in the treatment of depression. Given the documented rise in the incidence of depression in recent years, there is a recognized significance in exploring innovative approaches to depression treatments. While previous studies and systematic reviews have investigated animal-assisted therapy in general or in relation to topics like anxiety, no specific study detailing the impact of animal-assisted therapy practices on depression treatment was identified. Consequently, this review was undertaken to fill this gap. The review focused on studies conducted between 2011 and 2022, evaluating a total of 6 randomized controlled studies. The findings from these studies suggest that integrating animal-assisted therapy practices into the depression treatment process can yield positive effects. Despite the observed benefits, it is important to note that systematic application of animal-assisted therapy reveals certain deficiencies. Therefore, there is a recognized need for additional studies to address and refine the systematic implementation of animal-assisted therapy in the context of treating depression.

Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is a new and upcoming form of therapy that has shown multifarious benefits to participants. It is a goal-oriented therapeutic process with the incorporation of a qualified therapy animal in the therapeutic activities and conversations. This paper explores these benefits from a psychoneuroimmunological lens, wherein the interplay of and impact on an individual's psychological, neurological and immune systems are discussed. Positive physical interaction with therapy animals reduces undesirable symptoms and ailments such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, aggressive tendencies, harmful behaviours, cardiovascular issues and unhealthy tendencies amongst others. It further promotes a healthier lifestyle, promoting quality of life, better heart health, cognitive functioning and overall well-being. The biological basis of these benefits is discussed.

The Effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy on the Emotions of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The Effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy on the Emotions of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Of The Perceptions And Experiences Of Animal Assisted Interventions For People Living With Dementia

Abstract Background Animal assisted intervention (AAI) is a popular type of non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention, which has a potentially positive effect on physical, psychological, and social functioning for people with dementia. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the experiences and factors of implementing AAI, and its impacts on people with dementia in different contexts. This review aims to synthesise key stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia in community settings. Methods We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and AgeLine for potentially eligible studies. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data from included records. We assessed the methodological limitations using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and used GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) to assess confidence in the review findings. Two Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors were involved to enhance the quality and relevance of the research. Results We included 14 reports and developed three analytical themes, incorporating a gardening analogy: planting-connecting with animals, growing-engaging in AAI, and nurturing-making AAI work, with 15 key findings. Our review highlights that positive experiences, growing connections, and potential benefits were perceived within AAI. A multicomponent AAI can provide various sensory inputs, attributing to a rich experience. Flexible and individualised AAI tailoring to people’s needs and preferences is important. Additional training and education for staff are necessary to facilitate the intervention, reduce risks, and nurture connections. Conclusion This review describes people’s experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia, and provides recommendations on development and implementation of AAI, with moderate to high confidence in its findings. It is important to consider the factors that influence the implementing AAI identified in this review, to facilitate engagement and long-term impacts in future interventions.

Exploring the Impact of Animal Assisted Interventions on the Occupational Participation of People Living with Dementia

Abstract Background Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is defined as a goal-directed intervention designed to promote improvement in social, emotional, physical and cognitive functioning (AAII 2020). AAIs are a growing area in dementia research and practice (Lai et al. 2019). There is a significant gap in implementing and researching AAI in a UK context (Fine 2019). Caring for pets and service animals is considered an instrumental activity of daily living (AOTA 2008) and AAI has been shown to enhance the occupational participation of other client populations (Winkle et al. 2012; Herlache-Pretzer et al. 2017; Andreasen et al. 2017). It is unclear what impact AAI has on the occupational participation of people living with dementia (PLWD). Methods Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was proposed to facilitate deep level interpretations of the experience of occupational participation for PLWD who have an assistance dog. Over a two-month period, the researcher proposed to complete four thirty-minute video observations capturing PLWD participating in a chosen occupation in their home environment. The researcher further proposed to maintain a reflexive journal and document notable observations throughout the research process to enhance the development of themes. Results PLWD have the right to access personally meaningful occupations (WFOT 2006). Assistance dogs may have the potential to facilitate positive occupational experiences such as occupational identity, occupational competence and occupational adaptation. Conclusion Occupational therapists who claim to be guided by the principals of client-centred practice (RCOT 2015a) must strive to look beyond traditional interventions to effectively meet the individual needs and preferences of PLWD (Brodrick and Barry 2016). Education and further research (Fine 2019) are required to raise the profile of AAI in a UK context. Future research would benefit from exploring the experience of occupational participation in social environmental contexts for PLWD (who have an assistance dog), to gain whole experiential accounts of this phenomenon.