In her farewell address, Professor Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers describes how anthrozoology—the study of human-animal interactions—was largely unknown in Dutch academia when she began her professorship in 2013. Over the past decade, the field has gained recognition, especially for animal-assisted interventions (AAI) that support people’s health and well-being, provided both humans and animals are properly trained, and interventions are carefully evaluated for effectiveness.
Research shows that pets and therapy animals can help children with developmental or social problems, adults with autism, and people in nursing homes by improving communication, reducing stress, and increasing positive emotions. Animals are not therapists themselves, but support professionals in therapeutic processes. The field also investigates the positive effects of pets on health and social connection, as well as challenges such as animal welfare and the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.
Recent studies focus on the roles of pets for elderly people needing long-term care and the mechanisms behind the positive impact of human-animal relationships, such as emotional support and stress reduction through physiological changes. Anthrozoology is now an established research area in the Netherlands, with proven benefits for various groups.
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are increasingly used in the Netherlands, where professionals involve animals like dogs or horses to support therapy, education, and coaching. Scientific research shows that AAI can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety, and improve social skills and emotional well-being in various groups, such as children with autism, people with dementia, and veterans with PTSD. However, not all studies are equally strong, and risks like allergies exist, but these can be managed with good hygiene.
Since 2021, the Dutch AAI Quality Register has helped ensure that practitioners are properly trained and meet international standards. Animals are not therapists themselves but assist qualified professionals in the treatment process. AAI is especially useful when traditional talk therapy is less effective, for example, with young children or people who have trouble forming relationships.
The positive effects of AAI are thought to come from the emotional connection and physical interaction between humans and animals, which can lower stress hormones and increase feelings of safety and support. In conclusion, AAI is a promising addition to regular care, especially for patients who do not benefit from traditional therapy, but should always be provided by qualified professionals.
The Dutch Council on Animal Affairs (RDA) examined the rapid growth and diversity of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in the Netherlands, such as therapy dogs, care farms, and horse coaching. The RDA notes that while these interventions may benefit people, there is little reliable evidence about their effectiveness or the animals’ welfare.
Anyone can offer animal-assisted interventions without formal training or regulation, leading to inconsistent quality and risks for both people and animals. There is no specific Dutch legislation for AAI, and the sector lacks professional standards and accreditation systems. Some studies report signs of stress or mistreatment in animals used for interventions, often due to a lack of knowledge among practitioners. Risks for people include zoonoses and incidents like bites or scratches, especially since interventions usually target vulnerable groups.
The RDA concludes that there is not enough scientific proof that animal-assisted interventions are more effective than traditional therapy, though there may be added value in some cases. The welfare of animals must always be safeguarded, especially if the necessity of the intervention is unclear. The RDA recommends professionalizing the sector through the creation of a professional association, standardized training, and a quality mark. The government should support these developments and consider expanding animal welfare legislation to include animals used in interventions.
In summary, animal-assisted interventions can be justified if the welfare of both humans and animals is protected, but more research, regulation, and professionalization are urgently needed.
Since the 1960s, it has been observed that the presence of animals—especially dogs—during therapy sessions can have positive effects on people’s mental and physical health. This discovery led to the growth of anthrozoology, the scientific field studying human-animal relationships, and to a rapid increase in animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in the Netherlands, particularly in healthcare and education settings.
The report finds that there are now hundreds of providers in the Netherlands, ranging from professional organizations to private individuals who use their own pets in interventions, often without formal training in animal behavior or welfare. While the focus in these interventions is usually on human well-being, there is relatively little attention paid to the possible negative impacts on the animals themselves.
Dogs are the most commonly used species in Dutch AAIs, serving as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, or warning dogs. Professional organizations often provide thorough training and care for these animals, but in the private sector, a lack of expertise can increase risks to the animals’ welfare. The risks for dogs depend on the type of intervention, the training and management they receive, and their working conditions. For example, therapy dogs may work only a few hours per week, while warning dogs may be on duty 24/7.
Currently, there are no specific Dutch professional requirements for using dogs in care settings, and transparency and quality assurance are often lacking. The report highlights the need for more research into the welfare risks for animals involved in AAIs and calls for increased professionalization and regulation of the sector to better protect both humans and animals.
Vulnerable children and adolescents often struggle to cope in society due to a lack of suitable education, therapy, or support. Traditional verbal therapies frequently prove ineffective for some youth. In such cases, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can offer powerful, experience-based alternatives that help children adapt their behavior and emotions positively.
AAIs involve structured therapeutic or educational sessions where animals, such as dogs, horses, or farm animals, are intentionally included by trained professionals to enhance well-being and learning. These interventions are particularly useful for children with autism, behavioral disorders, or attachment issues, offering benefits when words fall short.
In the Netherlands, awareness and implementation of AAIs remain limited, and national quality standards are lacking. However, organizations like AAIZOO and the Institute for Anthrozoology are working to develop guidelines, training programs, and certification systems to ensure safe, ethical, and effective use of animals in therapy.
Scientific studies show that interactions with animals reduce stress (lower cortisol levels), promote feelings of safety and joy (higher oxytocin), and improve social and emotional functioning. These effects can be particularly transformative for youth with insecure attachment styles, helping foster new patterns of trust and interaction. For instance, the PAWS program demonstrated that the presence of a trained family dog led to notable improvements in behavior and family life for children with autism.
While animal-assisted therapy is not a cure-all and should only be used when it adds therapeutic value, it holds great promise, provided that both animal welfare and professional qualifications are rigorously maintained. With proper implementation, AAIs can serve as a valuable addition to the care and support systems for vulnerable youth.
The guideline “Kwaliteitsontwikkeling en kwaliteitsborging bij dierondersteunde interventies” (translated by Dr. Theo Verheggen) sets out clear quality standards for animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), especially those involving dogs. The focus is on protecting both the client and the animal, while ensuring that interventions are effective and ethically sound.
Quality is defined in four areas: planning, structure, process, and results. Good planning includes clear goals and selecting suitable, well-trained animals. Structural quality requires qualified professionals with specific AAI training. Process quality involves safe, methodical implementation and continuous evaluation. Outcome quality focuses on measurable client improvements.
Animal welfare is essential. Animals must be healthy, willing, and not overburdened. Professionals are expected to monitor animal stress and behavior and to act accordingly. Animals are seen as therapeutic partners, not tools.
Only professionals with appropriate qualifications and ongoing training may offer AAIs. Consent from clients is required, and their needs, progress, and outcomes must be carefully documented.
Special attention is given to dogs, including behavior testing and certification. A strong bond between dog and handler is key to safe and effective intervention.
The guideline promotes responsible, evidence-based AAI practice, centered on both human care and animal well-being.
This research explores the potential of Animal Assisted Education (AAE) in regular Dutch primary schools. AAE refers to structured, goal-oriented interventions using animals to support educational objectives, social skills, and cognitive functioning. The study aims to assess current AAE use in Dutch schools and identify opportunities for its broader implementation.
Data was gathered via a national survey (371 school responses), literature review, and interviews with experts. The results show that 15.9% of schools use AAE, typically with classroom or visiting animals like rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, and fish. Benefits include increased responsibility in children, while allergies are the most cited barrier.
To implement AAE effectively, schools must set clear goals, involve the whole team, obtain parental consent, and ensure the teacher’s active engagement. AAE can support a wide range of students, including those with social-emotional challenges. The bond between child and animal should be carefully considered, with respect for students’ fears and allergies.
Animal welfare is crucial: animals must be well cared for, and stress should be monitored. Suitable animal species (like guinea pigs or calm dogs) are important.
In conclusion, AAE holds considerable promise for Dutch primary education, although awareness and structured support are still in development. Further research is recommended.
This report examines the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, showing that pets are frequently also victims when violence occurs within families. The study, commissioned by Stichting DierZijn, is based on a literature review, a survey among Dutch veterinarians, and interviews with key professionals.
The literature review reveals a strong overlap between partner abuse, child abuse, and animal abuse. For example, over 50% of women in domestic violence shelters who own pets report that their animals have also been abused. Additionally, 30% of these women delayed leaving an abusive situation out of concern for their pet’s safety. Children who witness domestic violence are two to three times more likely to abuse animals than children from non-violent homes. Animal abuse by young children is one of the earliest and strongest indicators for behavioral disorders, and sexually abused children are six times more likely to abuse animals than their peers. Threatening or harming pets is sometimes used as a tool to intimidate or control partners or children. Animal abusers are also more likely to commit other violent crimes; 40% of violent offenders in prison have a history of animal abuse.
Internationally, measures such as “safe havens” for pets of abused women, allowing victims to bring pets to shelters, and stricter penalties for animal abuse have been implemented. In the US and Canada, professionals, including veterinarians, are encouraged, or required to report suspected abuse.
A Dutch survey shows that 60% of veterinarians have encountered animal abuse in their practice, and in one-third of these cases, domestic violence is also suspected. However, only a small percentage of individuals feel it is appropriate to report every case, often due to uncertainty or a lack of clear procedures.
The report concludes that the link between animal abuse and domestic violence is real and significant, but not enough is being done in the Netherlands to recognize and address it. It recommends further research, enhanced training for professionals, clearer reporting protocols, and stronger collaboration between animal welfare and domestic violence organizations.
This article discusses the relationship between violence against humans and animals, focusing on the so-called “cruelty link.” The author, Janine Janssen, reviews the historical and scientific perspectives on the connection, highlighting both correlations and the complexities of causation.
Interest in the cruelty link, how violence against animals relates to interpersonal violence, has existed for centuries. Philosophers like Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant warned that cruelty to animals could harden people’s attitudes towards others. In modern times, research distinguishes two main areas: animal abuse as part of domestic violence and animal abuse as a predictor of later violent behavior. In domestic violence cases, pets can become involved in the cycle of violence, sometimes being abused to control or intimidate family members. Studies, mainly from the US and UK, show that a significant proportion of women in shelters report threats or harm to their pets. Children in these situations may also become perpetrators of animal abuse.
Another research line looks at animal abuse as an early indicator of future violent or antisocial behavior. Some studies suggest that children who abuse animals are at higher risk of developing behavioral disorders or committing violent crimes as adults. However, the article stresses caution, noting that not all children who harm animals will become violent adults, and not all violent adults have a history of animal abuse.
The author also addresses methodological challenges, such as the risk of “false positives” wrongly assuming a causal link where there is only correlation. The article concludes that while there is a notable connection between animal abuse and human violence, more nuanced research is needed to understand the exact nature and direction of this relationship and to avoid oversimplified conclusions.