Defining Terms Used for Animals Working in Support Roles for People with Support Needs

Simple Summary Although animals are being employed for a growing number of roles to support people, the terms used to describe those animals (e.g., therapy animal and emotional support animal) can be confusing. The same term may be used to describe different types of work, or the same role can be described with different terms. This paper presents the results of a collaboration between over 100 researchers, practitioners, and end users of animal-based supports from all over the world. We created working definitions for the following nine terms: assistance animal, companion animal, educational/school support animal, emotional support animal, facility animal, service animal, skilled companion animal, therapy animal, and visiting/visitation animal. In this paper, we describe the defining characteristics of each animal type and how it is different from the other types. We recommend phasing out the terms skilled companion animal and service animal, because they are similar to other terms. We discuss how our definitions may be received in different parts of the world. The nomenclature used to describe animals working in roles supporting people can be confusing. The same term may be used to describe different roles, or two terms may mean the same thing. This confusion is evident among researchers, practitioners, and end users. Because certain animal roles are provided with legal protections and/or government-funding support in some jurisdictions, it is necessary to clearly define the existing terms to avoid confusion. The aim of this paper is to provide operationalized definitions for nine terms, which would be useful in many world regions: assistance animal, companion animal, educational/school support animal, emotional support animal, facility animal, service animal, skilled companion animal, therapy animal, and visiting/visitation animal. At the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) conferences in 2018 and 2020, over 100 delegates participated in workshops to define these terms, many of whom co-authored this paper. Through an iterative process, we have defined the nine terms and explained how they differ from each other. We recommend phasing out two terms (i.e., skilled companion animal and service animal) due to overlap with other terms that could potentially exacerbate confusion. The implications for several regions of the world are discussed.

Automated summary

This paper addresses the confusion that may arise from the terminology used to describe animals working in roles supporting people, presents working definitions for nine terms, and recommends phasing out two terms to avoid overlap and potential confusion.