6
Animal-Assisted Activities
b. Special testing may be indicated if the animal-assisted activities animal is
epidemiologically linked to an outbreak of infectious disease known to have
zoonotic transmission potential. Suspension of visitation pending results is
recommended in these situations.
3. Dietary guidelines for all animals
a. Exclude any animal that has been fed within the past 90 days any raw or
dehydrated (but otherwise raw) foods, chews, or treats of animal origin, excluding
those that are high-pressure pasteurized or γ-irradiated.
IV. Preparing Animals for Visits
A. Require that every handler do the following:
1. Brush or comb the animal's hair coat before a visit to remove as much loose hair,
dander, and other debris as possible.
2. Keep the animal's nails short and free of sharp edges.
3. If the animal is malodorous or visibly soiled, bathe it with a mild, unscented
(if possible), hypoallergenic shampoo and allow the animal's coat to dry before
leaving for the healthcare facility.
4. Visually inspect the animal for fleas and ticks.
5. Clean the animal carrier.
6. Maintain animal leashes, harnesses, and collars visibly clean and odor-free.
7. Use only leashes that are non-retractable and ≤1.3–2 m (≤4–6 feet) in length.
8. Do not use choke chains or prong collars, which may trap and injure patients'
fingers.
9. Make an animal belonging to an animal-assisted activities program identifiable
with a clean scarf, collar, harness or leash, tag, or other special identifier readily
recognizable by staff.
10. Provide a dog with an opportunity to urinate and defecate immediately before
entering the healthcare facility. Dispose of any feces according to the policy of the
healthcare facility and practice hand hygiene immediately afterward.
V. Managing Appropriate Contact Between Animals
and People During Visits
A. Obtain oral or written consent from the patient or his or her agent for
the visit and preferably from the attending physician as well. Consider
documenting consent in the patient's medical record.
B. The handler should notify caregiver (eg, nurse or physician) of the
animal visitation.
C. The handler should be required to obtain oral permission from other
individuals in the room (or their agents) before entering for visitation.
