5
G. Require that a handler suspend visits and have his or her animal
formally reevaluated whenever he or she notices or is apprised
(either directly or through the animal visit liaison) that the animal has
demonstrated any of the following:
1. A negative behavioral change since the time it was last temperament tested
2. Aggressive behavior outside the healthcare setting
3. Fearful behavior during visitations
4. Loss of sight or hearing and, consequently, an overt inclination to startle and react in
an adverse manner
H. Health screening of animals
1. Basic requirements for all animals
a. Require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies as dictated by local laws and
vaccine label recommendations. Serologic testing for rabies antibody concentration
should not be used as a substitute for appropriate vaccination.
b. Exclude animals with known or suspected communicable diseases.
c. Animals with other concerning medical conditions should be excluded from visitation
until clinically normal (or the condition is managed such that the veterinarian feels
that it poses no increased risk to patients) and have received a written veterinary
health clearance. Examples include episodes of vomiting or diarrhea; urinary or fecal
incontinence; episodes of sneezing or coughing of unknown or suspected infectious
origin; animals currently on treatment with non-topical antimicrobials or with any
immunosuppressive medications; infestation by fleas, ticks, or other ectoparasites;
open wounds; ear infections; skin infections or " hot spots" (ie, superficial folliculitis
or pyoderma); and orthopedic or other conditions that, in the opinion of the animal's
veterinarian, could result in pain or distress to the animal during handling and/or
when maneuvering within the facility.
d. Exclude animals demonstrating signs of heat (estrus) during this time period.
2. Scheduled health screening of animal-assisted activities animals
I. Require that every animal receive a health evaluation by a licensed
veterinarian at least once (optimally, twice) per year.
1. Defer to the animal's veterinarian regarding an appropriate flea, tick, and enteric
parasite control program, which should be designed to take into account the risks
of the animal acquiring these parasites specific to its geographic location and living
conditions.
2. Routine screening for specific, potentially zoonotic microorganisms, including group
A streptococci, Clostridium difficile, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) and
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is NOT recommended.
a. Special testing may be indicated in situations where the animal has physically
interacted with a known human carrier, either in the hospital or in the
community, or when epidemiologic evidence suggests that the animal might be
involved in transmission. Testing should be performed by the animal's veterinarian
in conjunction with appropriate IPC and veterinary infectious disease personnel,
if required.
