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Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions
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Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 6135

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Meredith L. Stensland

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
Interests: animal-assisted interventions; aging; chronic pain in older adults; treatment adherence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal-assisted interventions are increasingly being utilized as a non-pharmacological approach to help meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of individuals. Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), an umbrella term encompassing both animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities, are defined by the International Association of Human–Animal Interaction Organizations as “goal oriented and structured interventions that intentionally include or incorporate animals in health, education and human services (e.g., social work) for the purpose of therapeutic gains in humans”. In recent years, the health benefits of AAIs have received increased attention, and the aim of this Special Issue is to highlight their role in promoting whole-person health across various domains of well-being. This Issue welcomes research with various populations spanning the life course, including children through older adults.

The primary focus is the impact of AAIs on the following areas of human well-being: (1) physical health (e.g., cardiovascular, exercise, sleep, mobility, pain), (2) psychological health (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, suicide, happiness), and (3) social well-being (e.g., loneliness, social isolation, quality of life). Additionally, articles will be accepted that pertain to mechanistic biomarkers underpinning human–animal interactions (in both humans and animals); methodological considerations for AAI implementation; data on the risks/drawbacks of AAIs with special populations, such as older adults; and qualitative studies detailing individuals’ experiences with AAIs.

Article types: This Special Issue seeks original research articles, though review papers and commentaries will also be accepted.

If your research focuses more on the animal outcomes rather than human outcomes, please consider submitting to our Joint Special Issue in Animals.

Dr. Meredith L. Stensland
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • animal-assisted intervention
  • whole-person health
  • human–animal bond
  • animal behaviour

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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15 pages, 1069 KB  
Article
Effects of an Equine-Assisted Riding Program on Motor Performance, Movement Quality, and Well-Being Among Young Inmates
by Milan Dransmann, Martin Koddebusch, Pamela Wicker, Daniela Gröben and Bernd Gröben
Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101418 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Background: Equine-assisted programs have been shown to promote psychosocial outcomes, but quantitative evidence of motor benefits in correctional settings is scarce. Aim: The present study examined the effects of a one-week equine-assisted riding program on riding performance, movement quality, and well-being among young [...] Read more.
Background: Equine-assisted programs have been shown to promote psychosocial outcomes, but quantitative evidence of motor benefits in correctional settings is scarce. Aim: The present study examined the effects of a one-week equine-assisted riding program on riding performance, movement quality, and well-being among young inmates in an open German prison. Methods: Ten male participants (24.5 ± 0.71 years) completed a five-day program combining practical riding exercises, cooperative activities, and guided reflection. Riding performance was assessed using standardized expert video ratings based on the German performance testing guidelines on a 10-point scale, movement quality using a semantic differential with bipolar adjective pairs assessing telic and autotelic dimensions on a six-point scale, and well-being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. A single-group pre–post repeated-measures design without a control group was applied. Results: Significant improvements were found in riding performance for both walk and trot, with large effect sizes (n = 10). Participants also reported a significant enhancement in the autotelic, experience-oriented dimension of movement quality, whereas no significant change occurred in the telic, goal-oriented dimension. Well-being increased significantly from pre- to post-test. Conclusions: Even a short, experience-focused equine-assisted program can produce meaningful improvements in motor performance, positive movement experience, and well-being in a correctional context. Equine-assisted programs may therefore represent a promising complementary approach to rehabilitation by integrating physical, emotional, and social learning processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
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17 pages, 3331 KB  
Article
Service Dog Training Interventions for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress: Examining Gender-Based Differences in Psychosocial Outcomes
by Shahar Almog, Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, Alejandra Quintero, Deborah Taber and Erika Friedmann
Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091253 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 397
Abstract
Background: Poor mental health is prevalent among veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric conditions. Canine-assisted interventions may improve psychological and social health in veterans. The parent study, a randomized controlled trial, revealed improvements in PTSD following both a [...] Read more.
Background: Poor mental health is prevalent among veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric conditions. Canine-assisted interventions may improve psychological and social health in veterans. The parent study, a randomized controlled trial, revealed improvements in PTSD following both a service dog training program and an active control condition consisting of virtual dog training lessons. Thus, in the present post hoc secondary analysis, we analyzed both groups together (pooled arms) to examine gender-based differences in the effects of the altruistic service dog training programs on psychosocial outcomes. Methods: Veterans (N = 59) participated either in hands-on (with a dog and trainer) or virtual (no dog present) dog training programs over eight weeks and completed self-reported psychosocial measures before and after the program. Mixed-effect linear models were used to assess the interaction between time and gender on a series of psychosocial outcomes in the pooled sample. Results: The findings supported greater psychosocial improvements for female participants compared to male participants, including significant improvements in PTSD, perceived stress, and perceived physical health, and feeling greater closeness and lower avoidance in close relationships (ps < 0.05). The results revealed moderate to large effect sizes among female participants, suggesting meaningful clinical effects of the interventions (ds = 0.47–0.70). Conclusions: While the secondary analysis and small sample size limit causal inferences, the exploratory evidence suggests greater improvements in psychosocial health in female veterans after participating in the service dog training programs. Future research should tailor interventions to optimize the therapeutic effects for male and female veterans and identify other individual characteristics involved, such as combat exposure or post-traumatic stress symptom severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
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16 pages, 694 KB  
Article
Feasibility of Recruiting Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adults for a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Animal-Assisted Intervention
by Lisa Townsend, Nancy R. Gee, Erika Friedmann, Megan K. Mueller, Tushar P. Thakre and Sandra B. Barker
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020154 - 7 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 671
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Evaluating the feasibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represents a critical next step for advancing human–animal interaction (HAI) science and rigorously exploring the role of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in psychiatric acute care. This study presents strategies for conducting a pilot RCT [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Evaluating the feasibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represents a critical next step for advancing human–animal interaction (HAI) science and rigorously exploring the role of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in psychiatric acute care. This study presents strategies for conducting a pilot RCT comparing an animal-assisted intervention involving dogs (AAI) with an active conversational control (CC), which incorporated conversation with a human volunteer, and treatment as usual (TU) for improving mental health outcomes in psychiatrically hospitalized adults. Methods: We recruited participants from an acute-care psychiatric unit at an academic medical center. AAI and CC were delivered by volunteer handlers with and without their registered therapy dogs. Feasibility data included number of recruitment contacts, recruitment rate, and reasons for non-enrollment. We describe recruitment challenges encountered and mitigating strategies for successful study completion. Results: Recruitment occurred over 23 months with a goal of 60 participants participating in at least one intervention day. A total of 264 patients were referred to the study and 72 enrolled. The additional 12 people were recruited to replace participants who did not complete any intervention days and did not provide any intervention data. Study recruitment goals were met with a recruitment rate of 27.30%. Conclusions: Research to improve the lives of patients in acute psychiatric care is a vital public health goal, yet RCTs are difficult to conduct in acute care settings. Studies like this strengthen HAI and psychiatric science by providing a roadmap for implementing successful AAI RCT designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
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15 pages, 279 KB  
Article
A Pilot Observational Study in Ohio, USA of the Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services Intensive Intervention for Veterans with Trauma Histories
by Amanda Held, Katy Hubbard, Elena Nazarenko and William Marchand
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3111; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233111 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 761
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Equine-assisted services are being increasingly utilized as complementary interventions for military veterans who have experienced trauma. However, rigorous research is lacking, and randomized controlled trials are needed. The H.O.O.V.E.S. Intensive intervention was developed for this population. This intensive program is an [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Equine-assisted services are being increasingly utilized as complementary interventions for military veterans who have experienced trauma. However, rigorous research is lacking, and randomized controlled trials are needed. The H.O.O.V.E.S. Intensive intervention was developed for this population. This intensive program is an equine-assisted learning approach developed for veteran and active-duty military trauma survivors. The program integrates equine-assisted learning, peer mentorship and experiential learning in a residential retreat format. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine if more rigorous studies of this intervention are warranted. Secondary aims were to assess preliminary outcomes and explore possible relationships between changes in outcome measures. Methods: This was a pilot prospective study. Inclusion criteria for the program included veteran or active-duty military status and a history of trauma exposure. Data were collected from April–October of 2024 in Ohio, USA. Six psychological instruments were administered to participants before, immediately after and 90 days and 120 days after the intervention. These were the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQII), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Analyses were conducted to assess for significant changes across the study timeframe and for relationships among the changes in psychological instrument scores. Results: Study participants were 32 veterans with trauma histories ranging in age from 30 to 67 years old. There were statistically significant pre- to post-intervention improvements for all instruments except the PTGI, suggesting short-term increased psychological flexibility (AAQII) and positive affect (PANAS-positive) as well as decreased anxiety (STAI), negative affect (PANAS-negative), depression (BDI) and PTSD symptoms (PCL-5). Changes in BDI and PCL-5 scores persisted at 120 days post-intervention whereas changes in the AAQII, PANAS and STAI did not persist. Increased psychological flexibility was correlated with reductions in negative affect, PTSD symptoms and anxiety, as well as with increases in positive affect. Conclusions: Preliminary results reported herein suggest participation is associated with psychological benefits. Further, decreased experiential avoidance/increased psychological flexibility should be explored as an underlying mechanism potentially contributing to the benefits of participation in EAS. A randomized controlled trial of the H.O.O.V.E.S. Intensive program is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
13 pages, 1973 KB  
Article
“The Sheep Did It Again”: Replication of Animal-Assisted Treatment in Psychiatric Inpatients with Substance Use Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder in a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Petra Schmid, Carmen Nauss, Claudia Jauch-Ederer, Petra Prinz, Anna Lena Kordeuter, Stefan Tschöke and Carmen Uhlmann
Healthcare 2025, 13(21), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13212808 - 5 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
Background: In an initial pilot study, we investigated an animal-assisted treatment (AAT) procedure with sheep as an adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU+AAT) in psychiatric inpatients with substance use disorder (SUD). Over time, this TAU+AAT intervention significantly reduced negative emotions and improved positive [...] Read more.
Background: In an initial pilot study, we investigated an animal-assisted treatment (AAT) procedure with sheep as an adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU+AAT) in psychiatric inpatients with substance use disorder (SUD). Over time, this TAU+AAT intervention significantly reduced negative emotions and improved positive emotions, mindfulness, and self-efficacy expectancy compared to TAU. In the current study, we aimed to replicate these results and extend the investigation to another group of inpatients with difficulties in emotion regulation, namely borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: A single-session AAT procedure with sheep in a group setting as an adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU+AAT) was examined in an RCT compared to TAU. A total of 29 psychiatric inpatients with SUD and 31 with BPD were examined (PRE vs. POST) using questionnaires on variables that included positive and negative emotions, mindfulness, and self-efficacy expectations. Results: In the SUD sample, significant effects between PRE and POST, with large effect sizes in all four outcomes, emerged for the TAU+AAT group, in contrast to TAU. In the BPD sample, similar time (PRE vs. POST) and group (TAU+AAT vs. TAU) effects were achieved for all outcomes. Conclusions: Repeatedly, this TAU+AAT intervention, which involved a single session with sheep, improved in all outcomes. Sheep seem to be suitable for AAT with a focus on mindfulness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
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18 pages, 436 KB  
Systematic Review
Animal-Assisted Therapy for Reducing Anxiety in Vulnerable Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review
by Nazaret Hernández-Espeso, Laura Durbán Bronchud and Gloria Bernabé-Valero
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020260 - 21 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2538
Abstract
Background: Anxiety is highly prevalent among individuals living with disability, chronic illness, or hospitalisation, yet it often remains insufficiently addressed in healthcare settings. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been proposed as a complementary intervention to reduce anxiety; however, existing evidence is fragmented across [...] Read more.
Background: Anxiety is highly prevalent among individuals living with disability, chronic illness, or hospitalisation, yet it often remains insufficiently addressed in healthcare settings. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been proposed as a complementary intervention to reduce anxiety; however, existing evidence is fragmented across populations and methodologies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024494109); no amendments were made to the protocol after registration. Four databases (Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PubMed) were searched for empirical studies (2013–2023) evaluating AAT delivered by trained professionals using domesticated species and reporting anxiety outcomes in individuals with disability, illness, or hospitalisation. Results: Thirty-one studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Across heterogeneous designs, most interventions—primarily using dogs or horses—reported significant post-intervention reductions in anxiety. Randomised clinical trials consistently showed superior results compared with control conditions. AAT demonstrated beneficial effects across populations including PTSD, paediatric hospitalisation, chronic illness, disability, acute care, and trauma exposure. Long-term outcomes were mixed, and methodological variability limited comparability across studies. Conclusions: AAT appears to be a promising complementary intervention for anxiety management within clinical, psychosocial, and healthcare settings. Evidence supports short-term anxiolytic effects across diverse populations, although standardisation and long-term evaluations remain insufficient. Future research should establish optimal intervention parameters, mechanisms of action, and strategies for integrating AAT into multidisciplinary mental healthcare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interaction: Animal Behaviour and Whole-Person Health in Animal-Assisted Interventions)
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