Canine-Assisted Intervention in the Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Setting: Staff’s Perception of the Benefits of Pet Therapy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of canine-assisted intervention (CAI) as an adjunct to multimodal treatment in inpatient psychiatry, develop an implementation framework for an animal-assisted therapy program, and examine staff perceptions of its benefits as a complementary modality in psychiatric care. METHODS: The authors conducted a 20-minute semistructured interview with 17 psychiatric nursing staff members who were current employees in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit and who had worked with pet therapy services over the past 4 years. RESULTS: Analysis of interviews revealed that participants perceived CAI as a beneficial adjunct to psychiatric care. Staff reported that therapy sessions improved patient mood, reduced anxiety, enhanced socialization, and encouraged engagement among individuals who were often withdrawn. Interactions with therapy dogs contributed to a calmer unit environment and strengthened therapeutic relationships between patients and staff. Participants experienced personal enjoyment and stress relief during therapy visits and recommended increasing the frequency and structure of the program to further support both patient and staff well-being. CONCLUSIONS: CAI was perceived by staff as a valuable complementary therapy in the inpatient psychiatric setting, offering emotional, social, and therapeutic benefits for both patients and staff. Findings highlight improvements in mood, socialization, coping, and overall patient experience, with strong support for expanding and structuring such programs. These results suggest that CAI can play a meaningful role in enhancing multimodal psychiatric care.