Insights into the “Animal-Assisted Treatment in Social Work” Specialty, Sept. 26 NASW Virginia/Metro DC Course 

Yvonne Eaton-Stull, DSW, MSW, LCSW, finds that social work engagement in animal-assisted therapy is “definitely a growing field because people realize the benefits of having pets in our lives, and therefore, they see the value in the helping professions. To em-‘bark’ on this specialty, though, it is important to obtain training to effectively meet the needs of clients and also address the animal's welfare.”

Below, Eaton-Stuff—an associate professor of social work at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania—shares insights on animal-assisted treatment myths, top benefits, best client types for this treatment, and what she will teach in her September 26 virtual workshop (9-10:30 a.m. ET) for the NASW Virginia and Metro DC chapters. Registration closes September 24, and cost is $30, NASW members, $39, nonmembers.  

1. What exactly is "animal-assisted social work?"

Animal-assisted social work is a specialty practice area within social work in which professionals involve therapy dogs in their work to benefit clients they serve.  It also entails valuing and assessing the importance of animals in the lives of clients.

2. How might animals help a social worker in their work with different types of clients?

Although several animals can be evaluated and registered as therapy animals, this webinar will focus on dogs, since they are the most common in this field.  Services can include educational interventions to help a client reach academic goals such as reading; animal-assisted support to provide comfort to those following crises or disaster; or animal-assisted therapy to help an individual improve functioning such as increasing social skills.    

3. Can you share a story in which your work to help a client build bonds with one or more animals has made a difference in the outcome or success of your efforts? 

One of my most memorable stories was working with a young school-age child with autism who was not verbal and would become frustrated because caregivers in his life didn't understand his needs. During the first visit, this youth pointed at my dog's vest and looked at me as if asking what it was. I replied, "That's her vest." Very quietly, I heard "vest." We played this game in which he would point to a part of my dog, I would tell him what it was, and he began repeating the words. The teacher was astonished, asking us to please return since she hadn't heard him use his words before. At our second visit, he didn't just repeat words, he stated a full sentence, "Read to Maggie?" I eagerly told him she would love him to read to her. He grabbed a picture book and began to show Maggie (the dog) pictures and tell her what the object was. The teacher was in tears.

4. What are common myths around animal-assisted social work?

One common statement I have heard is that "they just want to bring their dog to work." Although that may be a benefit, not all dogs are suited to do this work, and also no dog should go to work every day like a human does. There are many welfare issues that need to be considered for both the clients and the dog.

5. What do you hope registrants get out of your course?

I hope that participants consider how they can utilize animal-assisted social work in their practice since it is so beneficial for many people. For those who already dabble in this field, I hope they will gain new insights and ideas for implementing animal-assisted services in their practice.

6. Will the course be interactive and, if so, how?

I certainly hope that participants will share some treatment issues they are assisting with and will come up with ideas for implementing animal-assisted services.  

7. What would you say are the best aspects of providing animal-assisted social work?

There are so many, but I think therapy dogs can speed up that rapport-building process and enhance a person's comfort level. I have witnessed some unique experiences in which my dogs have gravitated toward certain people, only to discover that this person was significantly impacted by a crisis. The connection and interactions are truly indescribable.  

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