Exploring relational and humanizing processes in a structured shelter dog programme: A qualitative study in psychiatric rehabilitation

Background Long-stay psychiatric rehabilitation units often struggle to provide emotionally meaningful and person-centred care because of institutional routines and limited opportunities for therapeutic engagement. Innovative relational interventions may help promote emotional connection and support more humanized models of psychiatric rehabilitation. Objective To explore the emotional and relational processes observed during a structured shelter dog programme in a long-stay psychiatric rehabilitation setting and to examine how these processes were perceived to contribute to the humanization of care. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using participant observation across eight intervention sessions, one focus group with healthcare professionals, and one semi-structured interview with the dog handler. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis framework. Results Three themes emerged: (1) Emotional reawakening , describing renewed emotional expression and positive affect; (2) The dog as a relational bridge , illustrating how the dogs facilitated interpersonal communication and therapeutic engagement; and (3) Shared humanity and relational care , reflecting enhanced relational awareness, professional reflection, and a more person-centred experience of care. Conclusions Participants perceived the shelter dog programme as a meaningful relational intervention that promoted emotional engagement, interpersonal connection, and more humanized psychiatric care. These findings suggest that structured relational interventions involving carefully selected shelter dogs may complement recovery-oriented psychiatric rehabilitation. Further research should explore patient perspectives, longer-term outcomes, and implementation across different mental health settings.