Assessing Handlers for Competence in Animal-Assisted Interventions

"Assessing Handlers for Competence in Animal-Assisted Interventions is a much-needed and long-overdue contribution to the literature on AAIs. Ann R. Howie has done an excellent job focusing attention on taking pride as a handler who is responsible and works proactively for the well-being of all parties involved in AAIs. The explicit and precise definitions are useful foundations to understanding the practical aspects of navigating AAIs, no matter your level of expertise, from novice volunteer to seasoned professional. It is also easy to understand the main takeaways that should be emphasized with repetition and colorful, real-world examples. This text is expertly written by an individual with a wealth of knowledge that only years of experience can bring. The practical nature of this step-by-step competency guide will make this a favorite book for all who desire to continue learning about the proper ways to facilitate AAIs to make a difference in the world of both people and animals." —Zenithson Ng, DVM, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

"As a veteran AAI provider, researcher, and educator, I am elated to have a text such as Ann R. Howie's Assessing Handlers for Competence in Animal-Assisted Interventions to guide coordinators at facilities providing AAIs as well as the agencies that register dogs as volunteer and therapy-assisting dogs on best practices. Howie uses internationally accepted terminology and philosophies in this easy-to-follow, interactive format. The book acts as a roadmap to screen and evaluate (and reevaluate) AAI teams as well as to prepare the handlers for consideration of dog welfare, potential risks, and the basics of both human and dog perspectives of AAIs. Howie's competency-based approach strongly promotes education, evaluation, and reevaluation of dog and handler teams in a real-world setting. This book is a must-have for anyone incorporating AAIs in their professional lives." —Amy R. Johnson, EdD, Oakland University Center for Human-Animal Interventions and Teacher's Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together