IC15: Facility Dogs: Canine Catalysts for Optimizing Human Health, Performance, and Engagement 5650

Responding to burgeoning interest, our instructional course addresses the growing need for facility dog programming best practices. This session provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical underpinnings, clinical applications, and translational insights essential for developing, implementing, and evaluating facility dog programs. Utilizing a multimodal approach and implementation science framework, we will examine obstacles and advantages of canine facilitated transdisciplinary initiatives. We will emphasize the foundational understanding of human-animal interactions and the unique therapeutic potential of canines. Drawing on current empirical evidence, we will explore the integration of this innovative intervention while also addressing pertinent policies, terminologies, and legislative considerations. Through interactive sessions and live demonstrations featuring certified facility dogs, attendees will gain practical insights into program development, feasibility assessment, outcome measurement selection, and evidence-based practice implementation across diverse professional contexts. Join us to explore the transformative potential of facility dog programs in enhancing human health, performance, and engagement.