Anthrozoology in the Netherlands: Connecting science and practice

Abstract

Since the first serendipitous findings on the beneficial effects of animals in therapeutic settings, researchers have been investigating the contribution of pets to the quality of life of their owners, and their positive influence on the physical, psychological and social aspects of people’s lives. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI)-that is, any kind of therapy, coaching, counseling or educational program, or other activity undertaken with the aid of animals (IAHAIO, IAHAIO white paper. Retrieved June 10, 2015, from http://www.iahaio.org, 2014)-are therefore increasingly used in healthcare, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as in psychiatric institutions and supported living facilities. AAI can be found in several different disciplines and settings, including psychology, psychiatry, nursing care, speech therapy, physiotherapy, as well as in assistance and coaching trajectories (Banman, Journal of Pastoral Care, 49, 274-278, 1995; Bardill and Hutchinson, Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 10(1), 17-24, 1997; Fine, Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Foundations and guidelines for animal-assisted interventions (4 ed.). London: Academic Press, 2015). Although AAI are recognized across the world, it is worth noting that local ethical and legal regulations, as well as awareness of the science behind AAI, vary from country to country. The cooperation between practitioners and scholars seems inevitable; however, it is yet to take place in many societies. This chapter discusses the example of the Netherlands, where the establishment of the community of practitioners and academics from the field of Anthrozoology has recently taken place and its development is in progress. Among the most important achievements in the Netherlands are the foundation of AAIZOO (AAI in Healthcare, Research and Education Foundation) and the foundation of a Chair in Anthrozoology at the Open University in Heerlen (Enders-Slegers, Antrozoölogie: (over)leven met dieren. Heerlen: Open Universiteit, 2013). In September 2015, the Instituut voor Antrozoölogie (IVA; Institute for Anthrozoology) was founded, where research and profession will profit off each other’s knowledge and expertise, adding to the quality of work in both legs of the discipline.