Evaluating the Benefits and Challenges of Owning a Pet Dog at a Residential Psychiatric Rehabilitation Facility From the Perspective of Staff and Clients

Abstract

This qualitative study evaluated benefits and challenges of the occupation of owning a communal pet dog living permanently at an adult psychiatric rehabilitation facility. Twenty-three participants (12 staff, 11 clients) completed surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Data were analyzed through multiple coding, member checking, and triangulation. Three major themes emerged: (a) positive emotional experiences, (b) challenges of dog ownership, and (c) supporting engagement in meaningful occupation. While experiences of participant’s were broadly positive, challenges with adopting a dog in its puppy stage of development were acknowledged. A novel finding recognizing positive impacts on the well-being of staff was found.

Keywords:

• Animal-assisted therapy
• dog ownership
• psychosocial rehabilitation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank their research assistant (Anna Lawler) and research academic (Ted Brown) for their valuable work on this project. This research was presented at the 2016 VIC-TAS 27th Occupational Therapy Australia Conference and the 2016 17th Victorian Collaborative Mental Health Nursing Conference.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jade Rothschild

JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.

Pam Maroney

JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.

Danielle Hitch

JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.