Abstract This exploratory survey of social service professionals investigated the use of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) within various occupations and settings. Forty one participants from social service agencies responded to an electronic survey. Sixty eight percent of respondents indicated they are providing AAI with the most common type being animal-assisted activities (AAA). Forty one percent of respondents indicated they have received some training in AAI with hospital and residential treatment settings having the most training. Individuals with mental illness and physical disabilities are the largest groups receiving AAI. Many benefits were noted with the implementation of AAI including increased social interaction, decreased stress and decreased depression. The most commonly cited barrier to implementation of AAI was liability concerns. Future research detailing how social service agencies overcame barriers would be valuable for others who wish to implement AAI.

中文翻译：

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社会服务机构中动物辅助干预（AAI）的探索性研究

摘要这项对社会服务专业人员的探索性调查调查了在各种职业和环境中使用动物辅助干预措施（AAI）的情况。社会服务机构的41名参与者对电子调查做出了回应。68％的受访者表示，他们为AAI提供的最常见类型是动物辅助活动（AAA）。41％的受访者表示，他们接受过AAI方面的培训，其中医院和住宅治疗场所的培训最多。患有精神疾病和肢体残疾的个人是接受AAI的最大群体。实施AAI可以带来许多好处，包括增加社交互动，减轻压力和减少抑郁症。最常见的实施AAI的障碍是责任问题。