‘Animals are used to help humans in different ways. Studies suggest that the effects of pet ownership can be beneficial to physical, social and psychological wellbeing. Research has found that stroking a pet can be relaxing and can result in a reduction in blood pressure. The presence of pets can also promote social interaction and reduce psychological responses to anxiety’ Hall & Malpus (2000) Pets as therapy: effects on social interaction p. 2220. Use this guide to find information resources about animal assisted interventions including books, journal articles and reports.
Royal College of Nursing (2018) Working with dogs in health care settings: a protocol to support organisations considering working with dogs in health care settings and allied health environments. London: RCN.
Fine A H (2015) Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: foundations and guidelines for animal-assisted interventions (4th ed.). San Diego: Elsevier Science.
Eckersley J (2016) Therapy Pets : A Guide. London: SPCK.
Chandler C K and Otting T L (2018) Animal-Assisted Interventions for Emotional and Mental Health: Conversations with Pioneers of the Field. London: Routledge Ltd. 
Chandler C K (2017) Animal assisted therapy in counselling, Florence: Taylor and Francis.
Cusack O & Smith E (2016) Pets and the elderly: the therapeutic bond, Florence: Taylor and Francis.
Altschiller D (2011) Animal-assisted therapy, Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Snyder M and Lindquist (editors) (2014) Complementary and alternative therapies in nursing, New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Marcus D (2011) Power of wagging tails: A doctor’s guide to dog therapy and healing. New York: Demos medical publishing.
Sing A (2014) Zoonoses - Infections Affecting Humans and Animals: Focus on Public Health Aspects, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
Pavlides M (2008) Animal-assisted interventions for individuals with autism. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Marcus D (2012) Therapy dogs in cancer care. New York: Springer New York.
Pichot T & Coulter M (2012) Therapy dogs in cancer care. New York: Springer New York
Frei D (2011) Angel on a leash: therapy dogs and the lives they touch. Irvine: bi5 Publishing.
RCN Public Lecture: From detection dogs to therapy pets: animals in health.
BBC News: Don't be scared to let animals on wards, say nurses (21st June 2017).
PetsAsTherapy Flickr (photos).
Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Vienna (2016) Publications and recommended reading webpage.
Author of this guide
RCN Library and Archive Services
Page last updated - 07/05/2019
