Animal-assisted interventions in healthcare settings to promote well-being : a scoping review

Abstract

This study examines the implementation and impact of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in healthcare settings through a well-being framework that considers hedonic, eudaimonic, and physical dimensions. AAIs involve structured interactions between humans and trained animals to promote well-being across emotional, psychological, social, and physical domains. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, with enhancements from Levac et al., and guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of academic databases identified peer-reviewed empirical studies in English that investigated AAIs in healthcare settings and reported well-being outcomes. Findings indicate that AAIs have been implemented across various healthcare contexts, including paediatric, geriatric, psychiatric, and rehabilitation settings, with dogs being the most commonly used therapy animals. The analysis revealed 24 distinct well-being outcomes, encompassing improvements in mood, stress reduction, emotional regulation, increased social engagement, and enhanced motivation for physical activity. Additionally, AAIs contributed to reduced depressive symptoms, improved pain management, lower blood pressure, increased cognitive functioning, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with mental health conditions, dementia, and chronic illnesses. While AAIs were generally reported to have positive effects, challenges included variability in patient response, hygiene concerns, potential dependency on therapy animals, staff burden, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The long-term sustainability and effectiveness of AAIs remain areas for further investigation. This study contributes to the evidence base by identifying both benefits and challenges associated with AAIs in healthcare. It highlights the need for standardized intervention protocols, enhanced training for healthcare professionals and handlers, and ethical guidelines to support contextually relevant implementation. Strengthening funding opportunities and piloting structured AAI programs could maximize their therapeutic benefits while mitigating potential risks. Ultimately, these findings reinforce the potential of AAIs as a complementary intervention that enhances multidimensional well-being within healthcare settings.