IRB Number
25-0722-064
Date of Award
Fall 12-18-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
First Advisor
Karen Menard, PhD, OT
Second Advisor
Michelle McCraney, EdD
Third Advisor
Kathy Wood, PhD
Abstract
The implementation of animal-assisted therapy requires professionals to establish competencies and work with animals that possess specific characteristics and have undergone specialized training. Researchers noted a lack of uniform guidelines for practicing animal-assisted therapy in occupational therapy. The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals recently developed a set of competencies for the safe and ethical inclusion of animals in professional settings, with a section in the appendix specifically tailored to occupational therapy. Although extensive research was conducted to develop these competencies, there is little research on their application to practice. The identified problem was the lack of research to guide the implementation of evidence-informed guidelines, such as competencies for the safe and ethical incorporation of animals into occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of occupational therapists with the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals’ Competencies. Ten occupational therapists participated in peer-reviewed semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis led to three themes and one subtheme. The results indicated that occupational therapists could utilize the competencies as both a framework for the safe and successful incorporation of animals into occupational therapy practice and as an educational tool at various points in their professional journey. It should also be recognized that developing competency in this area is a complex and individualized process. Ultimately, stakeholders within organizations that incorporate animals should understand the complexities of incorporating therapy animals safely and provide the necessary support to occupational therapists who include animals in their work.
Recommended Citation
Burr, M. (2025). Exploring Occupational Therapists' Experiences With Animal Assisted Therapy Competencies for Safe and Ethical Practice. [Doctoral project, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences]. SOAR @ USA: Student Dissertations Collection. https://doi.org/10.46409/sr.KCUW9756
Previous Versions
Dec 17 2025 (withdrawn)
Dec 16 2025 (withdrawn)
