Evaluation of cortisol levels and behavior in dogs during animal-assisted interventions in clinical practice

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is designed to improve the physical or psychological condition of clients through targeted work that involves animals. For the long-term high-quality implementation of AAI, the maximum welfare of the participating animals must be ensured. The most frequently involved type of animal is the dog and therefore the aim of this study was the assessment of the cortisol level and the behavior of dogs during AAI. Fifteen dogs with long-term working experience in clinical practice with AAI were involved in the study. Cortisol was evaluated from a saliva sample during 4 experimental and 4 control days. On each day, the samples were taken three times in total - before the therapy, after its end, and with a half-hour interval. At the same times, samples were taken on control days as well. The ethogram questionnaire was used. After each session, the handler completed a questionnaire consisting of 25 behaviors. For each type of behavior, the handler indicated whether it occurred during the session and, if so, added the frequency of the behavior. Statistical analysis of the baseline data of the measured cortisol concentrations showed no statistically significant difference between the sampling times, on both experimental and control days. There was also no significant difference when comparing the data from the experimental and control days. The ethogram questionnaires recorded a difference between the different categories of behavior. Results indicate that when AAI is properly guided and respects the individual needs of the dog, AAI can be a meaningful and fulfilling activity that creates fun and active contact for the dog with its handler and the client. •The welfare of animals in animal-assisted therapy is essential.•No significant difference when comparing the data from the experimental and control days.•Showed no statistically significant difference between the sampling times.•The ethogram questionnaires recorded a difference between the different categories of behavior.•If AAI is properly guided and respects the individual needs of the dog, it can be a meaningful and fulfilling activity.