Document Type

Scholarship Project

Publication Date

8-2024

College/Unit

School of Medicine

Department/Program/Center

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The assumed efficacy behind service dog intervention is based on the well-known potential for the development of a strong, emotional bond between humans and dogs. Occupational therapists can use knowledge of their specific scope of practice to aid in the referral process, and the assessment process, and to help assist clients with training and comfortability throughout the service dog placement process. Existing literature on service dog use and implementation within occupational therapy (OT) practice is limited and lacking in rigor, internal and external validity, and reliability. The aims of the current study include evaluating the level of education occupational therapy (OT) students and practitioners have received regarding service dog referrals, certifications, and the laws and requirements for possessing a service dog. Student researchers aimed to gain insight into current perceptions on the utilization of service dogs for therapeutic intervention in OT. A 31-question survey was developed and disseminated to current students in OT programs and licensed OT practitioners. Results from 109 participants indicated a significant lack of education and exposure to service dog utilization and implementation in OT practice within the studied geographic region of West Virginia (WV), Pennsylvania (PA), Kentucky (KY), Tennessee (TN), Ohio (OH), Virginia (VA), Maryland (MD), and North Carolina (NC). Based on the data obtained from the survey participants, the decreased exposure to service dog education in OT curriculums is attributed to the lack of competence and confidence in utilizing service dogs in current practice. As a result, the therapeutic potential of the human-dog dyad has not been fully capitalized within occupational therapy practice.

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