Research Gaps Concerning Human-Animal Interactions and Animal-Assisted Services in Nursing Homes

Human-animal interactions (HAI) and animal-assisted services (AAS)—previously known as animal-assisted interventions (AAI)1—in nursing homes are gaining popularity.2 AAS in care settings usually include initiatives with teams of voluntary or professional handlers who bring a companion or visitation animal—such as a dog, a cat, or another species—into a residential care setting, offering an opportunity for residents to interact with the animal, with the intention to improve resident well-being (eg, reducing stress) and/or general living conditions as part of creating more home-like environments.