Planning for the retirement or death of an assistance dog: perspectives of staff from assistance animal organisations

<b>Purpose:</b> The retirement or death of an assistance dog can cause a significant grief response to their handler, equivalent to that of the loss of a loved one. This study explored the perspectives, considerations, and experiences of assistance animal organisations in preparing a handler for the end of the partnership with their assistance dog and investigated the barriers and facilitators to successful transition support. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with nine staff from six assistance animal organisations across Australia. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. <b>Results:</b> Four themes were identified: (1) Balancing the animal's welfare with the needs of the handler; (2) Challenges of a handler retiring an animal support; (3) Importance of communication and providing the required support to the handler; and (4) Organisational resources hinder optimal support provision. <b>Conclusions:</b> Early education regarding assistance dog retirement is essential in managing handler expectations and ensuring animal welfare. Staff working at assistance animal organisations also have a role in providing compassionate support and counselling referrals. There are however limited mental health practitioners working in organisations, and practice guidelines regarding the retirement process are currently lacking. Development of standardised procedures, with input from mental health practitioners is necessary to improve the outcomes of those who have lost their assistance dog to retirement or death.