assistanceanimalsconsulting

#NationalDogTrainingEducationMonth

3 ways veterinarians advocate for dogs while training to be an assistance animal

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 03:29:30 GMT

3 ways veterinarians advocate for dogs while training to be an assistance animal

Veterinary Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual Improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we are veterinarians, recognized experts, uniquely qualified to serve the community, by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance; regarding assistance animals.

#1: Veterinarians will advocate for the dog’s health and welfare during training exercises.

Currently, the pet training industry is unregulated. Anyone can say they are dog trainers, and offer recommendations and guidance on dog behavior. With this unregulated industry, there are many different opinions on training techniques. In relation to assistance animals, these dogs need basic obedience training; to reliably respond to the most common basic commands such as sit, down, come, and stay. Some of these dogs require more extensive task training to appropriately support a handler with a medical condition. A veterinarian should be a primary resource to support you in finding a reputable dog trainer who can provide an assistance animal with unobjectionable training. A veterinarian should also be able to direct you to a dog trainer that utilizes dog training techniques, rooted in scientific methods. These training methods should avoid aversion techniques; adhere to the veterinary oath, and prevent animal pain and suffering. Ultimately, a veterinarian will advocate for the dog’s health and welfare during training exercises.

#2: Veterinarians will advocate to prevent the dog from suffering from inappropriate training techniques.

A veterinarian will advocate to prevent the dog from suffering from inappropriate training techniques. The Position Statement by the The American Association of Veterinary Behaviorist states: “It is vitally important that veterinarians be knowledgeable about the qualifications and behavior modifications methodologies used by non-veterinarians to whom they refer clients. Non-veterinarians often play an integral role in the animal health care team. However, if outdated and inhumane methods are used by such individuals, they can cause irreversible harm to the patient and result in client injury.” This statement essentially means a veterinarian should have already researched the trainer in which they are recommending for you. A veterinarian doing diligent research should be recommending dog trainers that utilize training techniques that are devoid of causing suffering to the assistance animal. This statement also supports the need to partner more effectively with veterinarians when selecting and working with an assistance animal trainer. A responsible veterinarian will be your dog’s advocate, to prevent needless suffering from inappropriate training techniques.

#3: Veterinarians will advocate for the relief of a dog suffering from inappropriate training techniques.

Lastly, a veterinarian will advocate for the relief of a dog suffering from inappropriate training techniques. In the event a training technique is utilized which appears to be causing harm to the dog, a veterinarian will advocate for the removal of this training technique. Every pet is different, and therefore, may respond differently to the many training techniques. It is the responsibility and obligation of the veterinarian to advocate for the dog that is having a negative response to any behavior modifying training technique. A veterinarian in this role, as the assistance animals advocate, helps to prevent the potential for long term damage to this working animal. The veterinarian can also support the trainer by making suggestions for alternative training techniques or provide guidance through the use of board certified veterinary behaviorist.

Assistance Animals Consulting

A good dog trainer can be a valuable resource for providing guidance to your dog’s overall health and well-being. With the support of veterinary guidance, you should be directed towards these types of dog trainers. Dog trainers are professionals who should be held accountable for the training methods they use. In training an assistance animal, it should be a collaborative process involving a veterinarian, dog trainer, handler, assistance animal, and at times a human healthcare professional.

Assistance Animals Consulting are veterinarians advocating for the responsible training of assistance animals. As veterinarians, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human-animal partnerships and interactions. As your veterinary partner, we apply the contributions of the veterinary profession to provide education, training and guidance specific to supporting individuals using assistance animals. At Assistance Animals Consulting, our veterinarians apply the contributions of the veterinary profession to help maximize the therapeutic applications of the human-animal bond. Contact us today. Let’s Talk!

#VeterinaryAdvocate

https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/veterinarians-oath.aspx

References:

https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Open-letter-to-veterinarians-on-referrals-to-training-and-behavior-professionals

https://www.dacvb.org/page/PositionStatement

https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/How_to_Choose_a_Trainer_AVSAB.pdf

3 important reasons to partner with a veterinarian when selecting an assistance animal trainer

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 03:44:37 GMT

3 important reasons to partner with a veterinarian when selecting an assistance animal trainer

Reason #1: To help develop a healthy Human-Animal Bond

A veterinarian can help guide you to a reputable trainer, who utilizes sound training techniques that create a positive experience for the dog, which is helpful with developing a strong human-animal bond. When selecting a dog training program, it is important to select a trainer who utilizes a reward-based technique as the basis of training. This type of training program utilizes positive reinforcement for good behavior as the primary system to support learning of the training techniques. Research has shown aversion therapy or using physical punishment methods as the technique for training produces fear in the dog and creates the potential for the dog to become fearful and potentially aggressive. Training techniques which utilize punishment, can also exacerbate the unwanted behavior and decrease the development of a positive human-animal bond. Reward based training makes the training process enjoyable for the dog; and also helps to facilitate a healthier human-animal bond.

Reason #2: To evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the Human-Animal Partnership

A veterinarian can provide human-animal evaluations. This is an assessment of the working animal’s ability to provide a specific response, to support the handler’s disability. A human-animal partnership is a relationship when an animal (i.e dog) is paired with a human (i.e handler) with the goal to improve the emotional, psychological or physical health and well-being of the handler. This relationship should be beneficial to both the handler and the dog. When training a dog that will be used to support specific medical needs of an individual such as seizure alert, diabetic alert or autism support, it is imperative to partner with a veterinarian to ensure the dog is appropriately trained to assist with these important medical task. It is critical; and in some cases a matter of life or death, to have a dog trained to respond appropriately for vital medical task. Partnering with a veterinarian will not only help in supporting the mutual benefit of the human-animal bond, it also allows for a more comprehensive approach when determining the effectiveness of a dog task trained, to provide specific medical support, in a human-animal partnership.

Reason #3: To reduce the risk of being taken advantage of by bad trainers

A veterinarian can reduce the risk of you being taken advantage of by poor training practices. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to poor training practices (i.e. aversion techniques), financially expensive investment for poor quality or no results, or receiving an untrained dog. Some training practices induce fear behaviors, which create a dog that is fearful of different environments and people. Training dogs to support specific medical needs of individuals with disabilities is becoming a financially lucrative business. Purchasing a dog that is trained for responding to a specific medical task can cost a minimum of 20K or more! Unfortunately, individuals are in this business who will take advantage of people that are in desperate need of a medical support service dog. These individuals will promise they can train a dog for specific medical tasks and require payments of dogs that have not been shown to produce the behaviors needed for medical support! To reduce the chances of being taken advantage of by these dog trainers with questionable business practices, it is best to partner with a veterinarian who can guide you to a reputable trainer.

Assistance Animals Consulting

Training is an important part of a dog's life. It provides mental stimulation, which helps to keep your dog happy. Using a reward based training method is a great positive reinforcement tool to reward good behavior. When a dog is trained well, it is more mentally and physically happy and healthy. Good training also helps to improve and strengthen the human-animal bond. I highly recommend using a veterinarian as a referral source to find a reputable trainer. Veterinarians are the medical professionals who can most appropriately assist with reducing your chances of being taken advantage of by trainers with poor business practices. Last but not least, as it relates to assistance animals such as service dogs or emotional support animals, the veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting, specialize in human-animal evaluations. By utilizing our veterinarians, it helps to assist in determining if a dog is task trained appropriately; is adequately trained to support an individual with a critical medical disability, especially those with medical alert service dogs.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. As veterinarians, we want to ensure optimum functioning of the human and animal partnering team; and create successful human-animal interactions. As your veterinary partners, we apply the contributions of the veterinary profession to provide education, training and guidance specific to supporting individuals using assistance animals. Contact us; let’s talk about how we can support you!

Happy Dog Training Education Month!!

#LetsTalkTuesday

3 steps to improving outcomes of patients with assistance animals

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 03:52:22 GMT

3 steps to improving outcomes of patients with assistance animals

In my work as a veterinarian, I understand one of the responsibilities of my profession is to collaborate with a multitude of individuals to advocate for the health and welfare of animals. Being in this profession also requires educating and guiding human healthcare professionals to responsibly prescribe animals for therapeutic purposes.

Today with #letstalktuesday , Assistance Animals Consulting is discussing the 3 steps human healthcare professionals can take to improve patient outcomes when prescribing an assistance animal .

1. Pre-Consultation with a Veterinarian

Consulting with a veterinarian in the initial phase when considering using an animal for a therapeutic purpose is important for a multitude of reasons. A veterinary pre-consultation provides a more comprehensive approach to healthcare and allows for the veterinarian to provide the contributions of their field to assist in improving the patient’s health and wellness.

Veterinarians not only provide insight on animal health, care, welfare and cost, we can also provide insight on the best animal to be used to maximize the therapeutic application. For example, if a cardiologist decides to prescribe a heart medication for a patient with kidney dysfunction, the cardiologist will consult with the patient’s nephrologist to ensure the medication prescribed can have an overall positive health outcome for their mutual patient.

The operating standards for human healthcare has been developed to defer to a specialist for a specific system or field. However, I find this same deferment is absent when animals are prescribed to improve human health.

I am a firm believer human health outcomes can improve tremendously if a veterinarian is able to provide guidance through a pre-consultation with the prescribing healthcare professional. The health and welfare of both humans and animals involved in animal-assisted intervention programs must be considered and ensured, therefore, veterinary consultation from the beginning is critical.

Overall, pre-consulting with a veterinarian can aid in developing an appropriate plan of action for the patient and the working animal, aid in optimizing the function of the human animal partnering team, aid in creating positive human-animal interactions and aid in improving overall patient outcomes.

2. Partner with a reputable dog trainer

Partnering with a good, reputable positive reinforcement dog trainer is important to assist with modifying the behavior of the dog prescribed and utilized in the Animal-Assisted Intervention plan.

Having a well trained dog is not only important to improve the human-animal bond, it also has positive impacts on the animal’s mental health, improves its social behavior, decreases behavioral problems and helps to prevent dog bites.

A dog prescribed to be an assistance animal has a greater likelihood of increased public interactions. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Dog bites are preventable through proper training.

Every prescribed assistance animal needs to be trained to be successful in its home and public life. Having a partnership with a trusted and reputable dog trainer in which you can refer your patient that has been prescribed an assistance animal will allow you to create a successful human-animal partnership, aid in strengthening the human-animal bond and it will also assist in improving overall human-animal interactions.

3. Post-Consultation with a Veterinarian:

Consulting with a veterinarian after the human-animal partnership is in place and after the dog training is complete is imperative to evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative therapy plan.

A veterinary post-consultation allows the veterinarian to evaluate the effectiveness of the dog training program, assess the assistance animals overall health and welfare, screen for temperament and behavioral traits in the assistance animal which threaten public health and safety, assess the effectiveness of the human-animal partnership, and assess the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond.

The post veterinary consultation not only allows for the evaluation of the assistance animal and the human-animal interaction, but it also allows the veterinarian to provide guidance for any concerns that may have presented.

After this evaluation, the veterinarian is able to provide recommendations for additional training needs that should be considered for the human-animal team. Performing a post consultation with a veterinarian helps to ensure the Animal-Assisted Therapy plan is working properly.

Being a veterinarian requires educating and guiding human healthcare professionals to responsibly prescribe animals for therapeutic purposes.

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we are veterinarians, recognized experts uniquely qualified to serve the community by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance regarding working animals. No one is better able to monitor the health and welfare of the animals involved in Animal-Assisted Intervention programs than a veterinarian. At Assistance Animals Consulting, our veterinarians apply the contributions of the veterinary profession to help maximize the therapeutic applications of the human-animal bond. Contact us today , let’s talk!

Owners of emotional support animals find support, conflict

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 04:03:08 GMT

Owners of emotional support animals find support, conflict

Defines the difference between ESA and Service Dogs (SD)
Discusses training regulations requirements for SD versus ESA
Points out the general public is unfamiliar with the distinctions between the different types of service animals
Discusses the difference in public access between SD and ESA
The importance and legitimacy of ESA aiding in assisting people with invisible disabilities
Need for education to the public to prevent fraudulent misrepresentation of pets as support animals
Provides explanations of the Air Carrier Act and the Fair Housing Act supporting ESAs
Policy revisions in the Airline industry for ESA and SD travel
Loopholes in regulations for healthcare providers to provide documentation for ESAs
Revenue lost in the housing industry due to the increase in ESA and federal regulations for accomodations the the Fair Housing Act
Need for additional state and federal legislation for clearly defined standards of the requirements for an ESA

At Assistance Animals Consulting, our veterinarians collaborate with healthcare providers to improve accountability when prescribing an animal-assisted treatment plan. The guidance we provide as veterinary professionals assist in the appropriate use of animals for therapeutic purposes with the goal of maximizing the human animal bond, improving human health outcomes and supporting animal welfare. As veterinarians, we evaluate any animal being considered as a support animal and discuss behavior and training recommendations needed for safe public access. We also discuss veterinary care recommendations and zoonotic disease risk related to the perspective prescribed species. The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting are passionate about education. We educate healthcare providers, handlers, and the general public about responsible and healthy ESA and SD partnerships. Our educational platform also helps to reduce and prevent fraudulent misrepresentation of pets as support animals. Lastly, as veterinarians, we advocate for the health and welfare of all working animals and successful human animal partnerships.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal interactions. Have you seen a news article you would like Assistance Animals Consulting to discuss on #TheySaidThursday ? If yes, leave it in the comment section!

#TheGainesvilleSun

Therapy dogs effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 04:15:14 GMT

Therapy dogs effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD

This research study concluded children with ADHD who received canine assisted intervention (CAI) experienced a reduction in inattention and an improvement in social skills. The research also indicated the children assisted by therapy dogs improved attention and social skills and had fewer behavioral problems.

This is a great article with evidence-based results showing how an Animal Assisted Intervention program using therapy dogs was a beneficial psychosocial intervention. Check it out!

#UCIrving

#Medical_Xpress

Service Dog Emergency Preparedness

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 08:35:21 GMT

Service Dog Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparations: Addressing the health and welfare of service dogs before the emergency

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we like to prepare and discuss in advance the important service dog documents that should be readily available and accessible if the handler becomes incapacitated due to a medical emergency. Important contact information specifically for a service dog should be stored not only in the phone of the handler but also on the service dog. If the handler is incapacitated and the service dog also needs emergency veterinary medical support, having the veterinary medical contact information easily accessible will assist in helping the service dog to acquire timely medical care. We recommend having the following information on the service dog’s quick access emergency document list:

Name of service dog
First and last name of owner associated with veterinary account
Primary veterinary hospital name and phone number
Emergency veterinary hospital name and phone number
Name and phone number of person responsible for service dog if handler is incapacitated
Service dog’s up to date vaccination records and any important medical history
Information on what task the service dog is specifically trained to perform

It is also important to note the accommodations provided to handlers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , and how it applies to service animals. The ADA indicates the following:

A service animal can be allowed to ride in an ambulance with its handler. However, if the space in the ambulance is crowded and the dog's presence would interfere with the emergency medical staff's ability to treat the patient, staff should make other arrangements to have the dog transported to the hospital.
A hospital must allow an in-patient with a disability to keep a service animal in his or her room. Service animals must be allowed in patient rooms and anywhere else in the hospital the public and patients are allowed to go. They cannot be excluded on the grounds that staff can provide the same services.
If a patient who uses a service animal is admitted to the hospital and is unable to care for or supervise their animal, the patient can make arrangements for a family member or friend to come to the hospital to provide these services, it is always preferable that the service animal and its handler not be separated. If the service dog is unable to stay at the hospital with its handler, the family member or friend can keep the dog during the hospitalization. If the patient is unable to care for the dog and is unable to arrange for someone else to care for the dog, the hospital may place the dog in a boarding facility until the patient is released, or make other appropriate arrangements. However, the hospital must give the patient the opportunity to make arrangements for the dog's care before taking such steps.

Pre-planning for dealing with an emergency helps to minimize the unknown and reduces stress and anxiety if the emergency situation presents. Assistance Animals Consulting provides a 3 Point Evaluation Strategy that includes an emergency preparedness plan. We believe in being proactive and preparing today in the event an emergency strikes tomorrow. A proactive emergency preparedness plan will help ensure the service dog is taken care of in the most effective manner.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we are an organization of veterinarians, recognized experts uniquely qualified to serve the community by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance regarding working animals. We we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal interactions. If you would like guidance on developing an emergency plan of action for a handler-service dog team or any working animal, contact us today, let’s talk !

Try not to become a man of success...

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 08:50:19 GMT

Try not to become a man of success...

Distinguishing a service animal from a pet

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:08:37 GMT

Distinguishing a service animal from a pet

Stamford restaurant owners cite difficulty distinguishing service animals from pets

Important points in this article:

The perceived inability of business owners to challenge customers who visit their restaurants with a pet and not a service dog
The ease of purchasing “service dog registration/certificatification” documentation from the internet which increases fraudulent behaviors
Lack of education of for pet owners knowing the difference between a pet versus an emotional support dog versus a service dogs
Lack of education of pet owners of current law for service dogs
Lack of education for business owners and associates regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to service dogs
Lack of awareness from the public at large as well as business owners of current law as it relates to persons with disabilities using service dogs
The difficulties with holding pet owners accountable to federal law and state statutes as it relates to service dogs
Connecticut does not require proof that a dog is a service animal and does not keep a service dog registry
Connecticut state law requires service dogs to wear a harness or an orange collar and leash

We provide education on all of the different types of assistance animals and their perspective rights of access
We provide education to pet owners and the public at large to help reduce service dog fraud
We provide education to business organizations and associates to help them become compliant to the regulations of the ADA as it relates to service animals
We provide education to the public at large to bring awareness to the ADA as it relates to service animals
We have a workforce development program specific to service dogs supporting customers with disabilities to help reduce unintentional discrimination

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting are here to advocate for and serve clients with disabilities as well as educate and i nform businesses about the rights and responsibilities of each.

The link between human-animal interaction and healthy aging

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 09:25:51 GMT

The link between human-animal interaction and healthy aging

Healthy Aging Research

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we are veterinarians, recognized experts uniquely qualified to serve the community by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance regarding working animals. Our veterinarians are your multidisciplinary partners. The veterinary professionals at Assistance Animals Consulting will help ensure the health and welfare of humans and animals involved in therapy programs are protected. We also help maximize the therapeutic applications of the human-animal bond. Together we can effectively ensure the optimum functioning of the human animal partnering team, create successful human-animal interactions, and have a positive effect on patient outcomes.

#HABRI

Vet to Vet

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 09:33:29 GMT

Vet to Vet

Let’s talk, Vet to Vet!

Has your hospital or clinic been receiving more calls from clients wanting to know how to get a service dog or certify their pet as an emotional support animal? Do you know the definition and difference between a service dog and emotional support animal? Is your hospital seeing an increase in patients which are true prescribed service dogs or emotional support animals? Have you had to fill out veterinary forms for a patient that is being used on a pet therapy team? Have you had to fill out veterinary forms for traveling service dogs or emotional support animals? Did you feel confident in your medical documentation regarding working animals? As a veterinarian are you knowledgeable about the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Air Carries Act to provide educational support for your clients? How are you supporting and engaging with you clients with disabilities using working animals?

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we as a veterinarian driven organization want you as our veterinary colleagues to feel educated and empowered with supporting your clients who use working animals. We have developed an educational platform to assist you in answering all the questions listed above plus more! We want you to know how to effectively communicate with your clients and provide needed education to reduce or prevent service dog fraud.

As healthcare providers continue to use alternative forms of therapy to assist and support the care of their patients, we will continue to see an increase in assistance animals such as service dogs, emotional support animals and pet therapy teams. As veterinarians, you need to know how to support your clients with and without disabilities using assistance animals!

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. Our veterinarians are here to support you and your hospital team. C ontact us , let’s talk about how we can support you!

Excellence is....

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:39:25 GMT

Excellence is....

Assistance Animals Consulting we are an organization of veterinarians, recognized experts uniquely qualified to serve the community by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance regarding working animals. Our veterinarians are here to support you. We are here to help you make it happen!

Misrepresenting pets as service animals is fraud

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 09:47:13 GMT

Misrepresenting pets as service animals is fraud

We provide education to pet owners to help reduce service dog fraud
We provide education to business organizations and associates to help them become compliant to the regulations of the ADA as it relates to service animals
We provide education to the public at large to bring awareness to the ADA as it relates to service animals
We have a workforce development program specific to service dogs supporting customers with disabilities to help reduce unintentional discrimination

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting are here to advocate for and serve clients with disabilities as well as educate and inform businesses about the rights and responsibilities of each.

Do you think a fine will discourage pet owners from committing service dog fraud? Is additional legislation needed to prevent service dog fraud? What are some alternative solutions to resolve service dog fraud? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

#TheRepublic

#stopservicedogfraud

Recap of the National Self Advocacy Conference

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 02:04:13 GMT

Recap of the National Self Advocacy Conference

This conference is composed of attendees from all over the United States. The participants had various backgrounds and many had disabilities in different forms, visible and non-visible. I had the opportunity to engage with the conference attendees as well as with other exhibitors. The most enlightening conversation I had was with attendee Joe Canto who said the following:

Thank you Joe for the conversation! Your words were empowering! As the founder of Assistance Animals Consulting, I bring my unique gift of love for animals and I’ve combined it with my passion to be of service to others. To other disability advocacy groups, let us combine our unique gifts to make something more special! Let us come together and be great!!

Rhesa Houston, DVM

Founder

Animals in the classroom aid learning

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:56:18 GMT

Animals in the classroom aid learning

New study finds that introducing living creatures in school settings may boost educational outcomes

Be the change...

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 02:28:31 GMT

Be the change...

Collaborating to support individuals using PTSD service dogs

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 05:02:17 GMT

Collaborating to support individuals using PTSD service dogs

The initial collaboration begins with the prescribing healthcare professional. We collaborate with the prescribing healthcare professional and support discussions surrounding therapy goals for a patient who will be using a support animal. After discussing the therapy goals, we collaborate to discuss the specific training needs for the service dog supporting the individual with PTSD. We also discuss the best options for size, breed and age of the service dog for their patient relative to the therapy goal. As veterinarians, we bring a unique skill set and viewpoint to the management of patient care. We address issues in a comprehensive and integrated care plan to facilitate a successful partnership between the patient and working animal.

The second step in the collaboration process occurs with the patient/handler of the service dog. In this collaborative process we discuss:

Options for size, breed and age of service dog
The cost of annual veterinary care
Basic dog care/needs
Specific training needs for their PTSD service dog
Referrals for reputable PTSD service dog trainers

By collaborating with the patient/handler during this process it helps to ensure the patient/handler is able to provide a safe, caring home for a dog, as well as ensures the health and welfare of the service dog. Lastly, it provides structured guidance for the training needs of the PTSD service dog. As veterinarians, we are advocates for the working animal. It is necessary to educate the patient/handler on their service dog’s basic needs to create a successful relationship for both human and animal.

In the third and final step of the collaboration process, our veterinarians communicate with the service dog trainers. In this collaboration, we discuss the specific training needs for the PTSD service dog. We also inform the trainers we will evaluate the service dog after they have been trained to ensure it has been trained for its specific task related purpose. We provide this collaborative process to provide clear, cohesive understanding of our therapy goals. A proper evaluation reduces the liabilities of the prescribing physician and patient/handler. A well trained PTSD service dog enhances the patient/handler’s safety and the safety of the public. Our veterinarians are trained to recognize appropriate and inappropriate service dog behavior.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. Our veterinarians are here to support individuals using PTSD service dogs. Contact us , let’s talk about how we can support you!

#NationalPTSDday

US National PTSD Day

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 04:52:33 GMT

US National PTSD Day

PTSD & TRAUMA

Delta updates comfort-animal policy to one per passenger - and no pit bulls

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 04:41:11 GMT

Delta updates comfort-animal policy to one per passenger - and no pit bulls

In short, this article highlights the following:

Delta made additional revisions to its animal policy
The new revision limits emotional-support animals to one per customer and bans “pit bull type dogs” as either comfort or service animals
Animal advocates indicate Delta is practicing breed prejudice and its ban should be rescinded
Pit bulls as a breed are no more dangerous than any other type of dog breed
The Americans with Disabilities Act as a law indicates service dogs can be any breed, however this law does not specifically cover airlines
The Americans with Disabilities Act recognition of dogs and miniature horses as trained service animals
The Air Carrier Access Act as law for airline travel indicates service animals could fly in the cabin with passengers, as well as emotional-support animals, which assist passengers with mental-health issues
Some crew members and passengers suspect that travelers bring pets as comfort/emotional support animals to avoid fees
The variety of emotional-support animals exploded to include monkeys, pigs and ducks, these comfort animals, which didn’t require specified training, sometimes upset other passengers
Each of the major airlines recently updated animal policies on emotional-support animals

With this news story, I see the need for more education around animal behavior and temperament. Fear, anxiety and stressed based aggressive behavior can occur with any dog or cat regardless of size or breed. If Delta’s desire is to improve the safety of their employees and passengers from incidents related to animal aggression, a more comprehensive strategy addressing animal behavior is warranted. I also see the need for more uniformity between the The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, these laws were developed to protect people with disabilities using working animals. However, the laws should have consistent and uniformed verbiage no matter if the support animal is traveling on land or in air.

Safety is a top priority for assistance animals and their handlers. Working animals with improper training are a safety risk and liability to the handler, prescribing physician, and general public. These poorly trained animals can also be a public nuisance causing everyone to suffer. However, a well trained assistance animal enhances the handler's safety and the safety of the public.

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting will provide professional guidance and direct patients/handlers towards reputable trainers. We collaborate with the trainers to evaluate the assistance animal to ensure it has been trained appropriately for its intended purpose.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we are here to support you. Our veterinarians can provide education and guidance on The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, the laws developed to protect people with disabilities using working animals.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. Contact us to learn how we can support you.

#USAToday

#Delta

#emotionalsupportanimals

Be not afraid of going slowly...

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 02:03:39 GMT

Be not afraid of going slowly...

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Viral social media post sparks important PSA about service animals

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:13:26 GMT

Viral social media post sparks important PSA about service animals

How to engage a service dog without it's handler

With this news story, I see the need for better public education on what to do if a service dog approaches without its handler. I see the need for additional training for the service dog if the first alerted individual does not respond to its engagement, it should move on to alert and engage a different individual. I see a working animal that was trained appropriately to be the lifeline for its handler.

Service dogs and emotional support animals will continue to be seen in increased numbers in the general public. At Assistance Animals Consulting, we provide education to help the general public navigate what to do and what not to do if they see a working animal in a public setting.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. As veterinarians it is part of our responsibility to guide the public on how to properly engage with service dogs and their handlers. If a service dog approaches you without its handler, will you know how to answer the bark? Contact us to learn how we can help you.

#todayshow

June- Adopt a Cat Month, June 21 is take your cat to work day

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 02:22:04 GMT

June- Adopt a Cat Month, June 21 is take your cat to work day

HABRI RESEARCH

The Pet Effect - Prescription Cat

June is national Adopt a Cat month and June 21st in take your cat to work day! In celebration of cats everywhere, Assistance Animals Consulting is sharing this Prescription Cat video from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).

If you are prescribing a cat for therapeutic purposes, partner with the veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting. As licensed veterinarians, our expertise is evaluating any animal being considered as a working animal for therapeutic purposes. We work with you and your patient to deliver comprehensive care, facilitating a successful partnership between patient and working animal. As veterinarians, we understand the needs of the working animal and will collaborate with you assisting in the selection of the best animal, cat or dog, for the most impactful therapeutic purpose.

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting will partner with you to ensure a successful treatment plan is developed for the patient and working animal. Together we can effectively ensure the optimum functioning of the human animal partnering team, create successful human-animal interactions, and have a positive effect on patient outcomes.

#WhatsHappeningWednesday

#thepeteffect

#HABRI

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/university-student-dog-twiglet-stress-14658548

Veterinarians protect the health and well-being of assistance animals to prevent animal suffering

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 03:44:21 GMT

Veterinarians protect the health and well-being of assistance animals to prevent animal suffering

A working animal must remain healthy and well to effectively assist in its therapy program. At Assistance Animals Consulting, we begin our educational, guidance and collaborative process once it is first decided human-animal intervention is needed or wanted. Our veterinarians will remain an active participant in your therapy program until human-animal intervention is no longer needed.

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting will provide a preventative care program to safely ensure proper healthcare standards are met for any animal participating in an human-animal intervention program. Our veterinarians will facilitate and monitor the preventative care and vaccination recommendations for your working animal. The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting will also provide regular routine animal evaluations to ensure the health of the working animal while it is participating in an intervention program. Our veterinarians have created a Point Strategy to protect the animals working in different institutions. This Point Strategy was created to ensure these working animals are being treated humanely and are enhancing the power of the human animal bond.

As veterinarians, we are the voice of the working animals. At Assistance Animals Consulting, we advocate for the health and well-being of working animals. We physically evaluate the working animal as to prevent animal suffering. Lastly, we partner with a multitude of professionals to ensure and maintain a mutually beneficial human-animal relationship.

At Assistance Animals Consulting, we are veterinarians, recognized experts uniquely qualified to serve the community by providing resources for education, behavioral understanding, and guidance regarding working animals. We believe working animals have rights too! We are their advocates! Contact us and will will be an advocate for your assistance animal.

Success is ... knowing your purpose in life...

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 03:51:01 GMT

Success is ... knowing your purpose in life...

Therapy Animal Strike

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 03:57:14 GMT

Therapy Animal Strike

In a brief overview, this article highlights a Jack Russell terrier dog named Twiglet that was brought to a college campus as a support dog to help students cope with work pressures. The students were allowed to take Twiglet on walks. The article indicates Twiglet started refusing to move after becoming nervous from going on walks with strangers. The article then states after recognizing Twiglet’s abnormal behavior, the college cancelled Twiglet’s walking sessions. The article also states a report in the Times indicated Twiglet had been left exhausted by dozens of students wanting a walk. Lastly, the article mentioned one student saying the dog was booked for eight consecutive hours of walks in just one day.

As a veterinarian, I am very concerned for Twiglet’s health and wellness as suggested from this news story.

Did Twiglet show behavior which indicated she was over stressed and overworked prior to her refusal to walk?
How was this animal assisted activity developed and implemented?
Was Twiglet allowed any work breaks?
Was Twiglet allowed appropriate access to water?
Does Twiglet have any other underlying health conditions like arthritis which could be exacerbated with increased exercise activity?

With this story I see the need for increased veterinarian involvement in this animal-assisted activity program. I also recommend better collaboration between the professional overseeing this animal-assisted activity therapy program and a veterinarian. This is a perfect example of a working animal that needs a veterinarian as its advocate.

For Twiglet and Cambridge University, in collaborating with Assistance Animals Consulting we would have created a mutually beneficial Animal-Assisted Activity plan by providing the following services:

Behavioral Evaluation of Twiglet prior to starting Animal-Assisted Activity Program
Medical Evaluation of Twiglet prior to starting Animal-Assisted Activity program
Collaborative discussion of objectives and goals for this Animal-Assisted Activity program
Collaborative discussion of tasks and limitations for Twiglet while participating in this Animal-Assisted Activity program
Protocol development for periodic re-evaluation and veterinary care of Twiglet during her participation in this Animal-Assisted Activity program
Protocol development for any needed training for faculty, staff and students participating in Animal-Assisted Activity program
Protocol development for Twiglet’s preventative veterinary care wellness while she is participating in the Animal-Assisted Activity program
Evaluation and assessment of zoonotic disease risks and development of a strategy and procedure to minimize those risk
Advocate for mutually beneficial interactions for both human and animal
Advocate for Twiglet to ensure she sustains her health and wellness

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal interactions. We align with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Associations guidelines as standard of care for Animal-Assisted Activity programs. As veterinarians, our involvement in Animal-Assisted Activity programs is essential because we advocate for the health and welfare of the animals participating in these programs.

We want to be part of your multidisciplinary approach when using a working animal. Contact us to learn how we can partner with you to create a healthy and positive Animal-Assisted activity or therapy plan for your organization or school.

The effects of animals on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:07:25 GMT

The effects of animals on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This specific HABRI-funded study explored the effects of pet dogs on families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study not only noted several positive benefits of family function because of these pet dogs, it also showed their findings to be consistent with previous studies, which found different health benefits when assistance dogs (not pet dogs) were introduced into the families of children with ASD. Read the article for more details of the positive impact dogs have on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we are veterinarians, the medical professionals needed to help ensure the health and welfare of humans and animals involved in therapy programs are protected, we also help maximize the therapeutic applications of the human-animal bond. Contact us to learn how we can support you.

#autismspectrumdisorder

#HABRI

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/index.html

5 Pathways of Collaboration

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 01:05:39 GMT

5 Pathways of Collaboration

The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting have determined there are 5 important collaborative pathways to evaluate and address the healthcare needs of a disabled person and their working animal. Having a strategic partnership with Assistance Animals Consulting, we will have important issues addressed in a comprehensive and integrated care plan. With our comprehensive care plan we will collaborate with the following:

Case Worker - State Level, Federal Level or both
Provider - Prescribing Healthcare Professional
Subscriber - Handler
General Veterinary Practitioner
Assistance Animals Consulting

Assistance Animals Consulting wants to partner with you to ensure a successful plan is developed for the patient and working animal. As veterinarians, we want to ensure optimum functioning of the human and animal partnering team, create successful human-animal interactions, and have a positive effect on patient outcomes. Contact us to receive more information about how we can partner with you.

Assistance animals and zoonotic disease risk

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 02:18:57 GMT

Assistance animals and zoonotic disease risk

Working animals such as assistance animals, provide their handler independence for their daily life function. Many of these working animals have increased public access. The best way to protect assistance animals from zoonotic diseases is to take preventive measures to reduce the chance of contracting them. These preventive measures also help to keep the health of the public at large safe. The veterinarians at Assistance Animals Consulting provide advice and guidance on preventative care recommendations depending on the lifestyle of the handler and disease risk for the working animal. We asses where the handler lives, the assistance animal’s lifestyle, overall health, and other factors prior to making our recommendations.

We’ve provided a short list of some of the most common zoonotic diseases found in dog and cats.

ZOONOTIC DISEASES:

Canine Influenza

Cat Scratch Disease

Cryptococcosis, C. neoformans

Giardia Infection (Giardiasis)

Hookworm Infection (Ancylostoma caninum Infection)

Leptospirosis (Leptospira Infection)

Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi Infection)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection (MRSA)

Microsporum Infection – see Ringworm

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection (Tuberculosis)

Rabies

Rickettsia rickettsia Infection (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

Ringworm (Dermatophyte Infection)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia rickettsia Infection)

Roundworm Infection (Toxocariasis)

Salmonella Infection

Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabeii Infection)

Tapeworm Infection (Diplyidium Infection)

Ticks

Toxoplasma gondii Infection (Toxoplasmosis)

Because many of the diseases listed above can be transmitted by animals, prevention and control strategies require the effort not only from our veterinarians, but also from our human healthcare provider partners. At Assistance Animals Consulting, we understand prescribing an assistance animal is a multidisciplinary collaboration . With our interprofessional collaboration, we combine input from physicians and veterinarians to prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases and other health problems before they become life-threatening.

It is also important to understand some people are at a greater risk of contracting a zoonotic disease. These people include children younger than 5 years old, adults over 65 and individuals who are immunocompromised.

The most common way to acquire a zoonotic disease is through direct contact of saliva, blood, urine, mucus, feces or other body fluids of an infected animal. Direct contact can occur with a scratch, bite or from animal licking the hand or mouth. Zoonotic diseases can also be transmitted through indirect contact with objects or surfaces that has contaminated material. An example of this transmission occurs with handling material the animal sleeps on. Vector-borne transmission is another way zoonotic disease is transmitted. This occurs when an infected tick or flea bites a human. Lastly, food borne transmission is the final way a zoonotic disease can be transmitted. For example, this transmission can occur when an assistance animal is feed a contaminated food like a raw diet of undercooked meat.

Zoonotic diseases are most often spread through improper hygiene practices. Handlers using assistance animals and organizations using therapy animals need to be educated on proper hygiene and safety when using a working animal to reduce the transmission of a zoonotic disease. It is important to keep hands clean and wash them with soap and water after contact with an assistance animal. Preventing bites from ticks, and fleas is also important to reduce zoonotic disease transmission. All working animals should have a consistent and effective external and internal parasite control preventative care plan. Lastly, to prevent disease transmission from bites and scratches it is imperative for assistance animals to be non-aggressive and properly trained prior to having full public access.

Assistance Animals Consulting, we collaborate, evaluate, educate and advocate for successful human animal partnerships and interactions. Our expert veterinarians are here to support healthcare providers, individuals using assistance animals, and support and collaborate with other veterinarians. Contact us , let’s talk about how we can support you!

#zoonosiseducation

A couple and their service dog asked to leave a Knoxville mall

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 01:18:16 GMT

A couple and their service dog asked to leave a Knoxville mall

Assistance Animals Consulting has a Workforce Development Strategy for your business as it relates to navigating customers using service dogs. Having a strategic partnership with Assistance Animals Consulting will help your business and employees gain the following:

Education and understanding to differentiate between a pet and a service dog.
Education and understanding to know basic dog disruptive behavior.
Education and understanding to become empowered to know when to request the removal of a disruptive service dog.
Education and understanding on the rights and responsibilities of a business entity as it relates to service dogs.
Education and understanding on the rights and responsibilities of a service dog handler
Education and understanding on how to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to customers using Service Dogs.

The insight and education your organization gains by partnering with Assistance Animals Consulting is invaluable. Our Workforce Development Strategy is specific for customers using Service Dogs, it is unique and guided by veterinary professionals.

#AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct

#workforcedevelopment