The experiences of providing animal-assisted activities s: A multispecies ethnographic study

Background: The demand for Animal Assisted Activities s (AAA) is increasing, as is the research on these interactions. Extensive human-centric evidence on the health benefits of AAA to human clients exists. However, research into both handler and dog experiences has been limited representation, it is essential to include these perspectives to add value to this field, ensuring ethical and evidence-based practices in working partnerships. Aims: The purpose of this pilot study was to comprehensively explore the perspectives and experiences of dogs and handlers engaged in AAA utilizing a multispecies approach. Methods: This study was informed by a multispecies ethnographic approach. In this two stage dual source research, data were collected via seven semi-structured interviews with AAA handlers and three observations of their dogs during AAA sessions. Interview data was analysed thematically, and observations are presented as narrative descriptions. Findings: Five key themes emerged: dogs as a working resource; dogs shaping therapy; animal welfare prioritized; putting others first (human motivations); putting others first (influence of the animal) with a hierarchy presented of dogs being the primary consideration, followed by clients, then the handler. Observations of the dogs indicated a more human-centric hierarchy in AAA sessions with canine team members indications of caution not always identified or responded to. Other observations indicated simple techniques that can increase the agency of canine team members in AAA. Conclusions: Even in the presence of genuinely held concerns for animal consent and welfare, handlers’ human-centric altruistic motivations may impact their dogs’ agency and control in AAA. Animals involved in AAA should be given more choice in interactions to improve their wellbeing. Human and animal beings are inseparable in AAA and other animal-inclusive, human focused activities, future research needs to increasingly seek to include the animal perspective when investigating this field.