Integration of animals in residential care facilities

Suzana Bunderšek (2014) Integration of animals in residential care facilities. Diploma thesis.

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Abstract

The theoretical part of the thesis provides insight into the role animals play in different periods of a person’s life. The usefulness of human-animal interaction is demonstrated with a description of the ways of working with animals and the presentation of different animal species. The emphasis is put on children and minors placed in residential care facilities. While the advantages of introducing animals into residential care facilities are provided, the weaknesses and risks are also pointed out. In the empirical part, a mixed quantitative-qualitative research method was used to find in what ways and to what extent animals are included in educational activities as well as present in residential care facilities in Slovenia. An important question this dissertation poses is what care workers think about introducing animals into institutions where they work, what are their experiences and knowledge. The sample represents 73 care workers who filled in the questionnaire and one care worker who contributed his point of view through an open conversation. The results have shown that there are no animals permanently staying at institutions. The care workers are aware of the benefits that contact to animals could have for children and they involve animals in their work in different manners. The Animal Assisted Activity/Therapy are less known to them. They do express certain difficulties and obstacles that occur while integrating animals in residential care facilities and are mostly bound to the systematical regulations of the area. Some care workers are giving suggestions on how the animals could be more integrated, as care workers report that children/minors are expressing the need to have a contact with animals.

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