Purdue Veterinary Medicine Researchers Document Benefits of Service Dogs
for Recipients and Family Members
INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New data published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
suggests the impact of a service dog may extend beyond the recipient and
have positive impacts on family members as well.
This study, funded by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) and
conducted by Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the
first of its kind using standardized measures to examine the
relationship between the human animal bond and psychosocial outcomes
among people with service dogs.
Working alongside the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine,
Elanco is leading a four-year primary research study on the emotional
and health benefits people receive from service dogs.
“Our goal was to apply strong science in quantifying the effects that
these dogs can have on well-being,” said Maggie O’Haire, Associate
Professor of Human-Animal Interaction at Purdue University. O’Haire led
the research along with Jessica Bibbo and Kerri Rodriguez, graduate
student, Human-Animal Interaction.
“The research also reveals the distinctive role that a service dog may
have in the lives of the families of those individuals,” O’Haire said.
“Previous smaller and chiefly qualitative studies have found preliminary
evidence that service dogs can have psychosocial benefits among
individuals with physical disabilities, but the research has been
limited,” said Tony Rumschlag, DVM, Director, Consulting Veterinarians,
US Companion Animal Business Unit, Elanco.
“It’s gratifying to help further scientific understanding about the
human-animal bond,” Rumschlag said. “As veterinarians, in-depth
knowledge about the mechanisms of that relationship will enable us to
truly partner with owners on pet care.”
The Purdue study results indicated that compared to those on a waitlist
to be matched with a service dog, individuals with a service dog
exhibited significantly better psychosocial health, including higher
levels of social and emotional functioning, and better functioning at
work and/or school.
As the demand for service dogs continues to increase, researchers at
Purdue’s Center for the Human-Animal Bond determined there was a need to
use a standardized measure to evaluate the effects of service dogs on
human health and well-being.
To reach the research goal, the researchers recruited 154 individuals to
participate in a cross-sectional survey, including 97 placed with a
mobility or medical service dog and 57 on the waitlist to receive one.
Hierarchical regression evaluated the effect of having a service dog on
standardized measures of psychosocial health (Pediatric Quality of Life
Inventory™) as well as anger, companionship and sleep disturbance
(Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®). Among those
with a service dog, the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale quantified
the human-animal bond.
Previous results from the study, “The effects of service dogs on
psychosocial health and wellbeing for individuals with physical
disabilities or chronic conditions” were published in the journal
Disability and Rehabilitation in January 2019.
The participants were recruited from the database of Canine Assistants,
a provider of mobility and medical service dogs for a variety of
physical conditions and disabilities. Visit canineassistants.org
for more information.
About Elanco Animal Health
Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) is a global animal health company that develops
products and knowledge services to prevent and treat disease in food
animals and pets in more than 90 countries. With a 64-year heritage, we
rigorously innovate to improve the health of animals and benefit our
customers, while fostering an inclusive, cause-driven culture for more
than 5,800 employees. At Elanco, we’re driven by our vision of food and
companionship enriching life – all to advance the health of animals,
people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.
About the Center for the Human-Animal Bond
The Center for the Human-Animal Bond was established in the Purdue
College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. The Center focuses on the
dynamic interactions between people and animals and their psychological
and physiological consequences. The research under this rubric addresses
important and sometimes controversial issues at the intersection of
science, public health and society. The goal of the research is to
provide scientific data that can guide the making of policies and
decisions that affect animals and people.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Keri McGrath Happe
(317) 370-8394
[email protected]
