Experiences with service dogs among patients and staff within an inpatient mental health treatment facility: a qualitative study

PURPOSE: Service dogs play an essential role for their owners who are accessing mental health treatment. This qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of service dog owners, co-patients, frontline staff, and leadership with service dogs in an inpatient mental health treatment facility in (location). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six participants took part in a total of eight focus groups and five interviews. Demographic questionnaires were provided via paper and electronic surveys. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive content analysis approach. Themes were categorised as major codes, sub-codes, and secondary sub-codes. RESULTS: Participants reported on the benefits of service dogs as medical and emotional supports, as well as the challenges of including service dogs in an inpatient treatment facility (e.g., behavioural inconsistencies, lack of national standardisation, missing practical supports, and lack of knowledge regarding policies). They also provided suggestions for improvements (e.g., improved communication, better accommodations for dogs, use of therapy animals). CONCLUSION: Significant gaps exist between service dog policy and practice. Recommendations include the establishment of specific rights protecting the well-being of service dogs, guidelines for inpatient mental health facilities, and a national service dog standard.