Canine-Assisted Services as a Complementary Modality in Wellness-Based Counseling Practice

A growing number of professional counselors are pursuing holistic approaches and alternative therapies in response to the mental health challenges faced by their clients. This practice-oriented conceptual review article begins by defining wellness-based counseling and its five distinguishing features. The article then delves into three main types of animal-assisted services, namely, support services, education, and treatment. Next, it describes various roles for canines in mental health initiatives, including companion animals, therapy dogs, facility dogs, emotional support animals, and service dogs. Cases that illustrate how professional counselors incorporated each type of dog into their work are provided. The article's conclusion identifies key considerations in effectively implementing canine-assisted services. These issues are linked to relevant ethical codes, the recommendations of leading professional organizations, and practical resources that support counselors in promoting canine-assisted, wellness-based therapeutic alliances with clients.