Exploring Effects of an Emotional Support Dog at a 24-Hour Drop-In Center for Exploited Youth

Abstract Youth sex trafficking is a significant issue in the United States and appropriate care for trafficked victims can be complex. The psychological benefits of an emotional support dog for youth at a 24-hour drop-in center for sex-trafficking victims was explored. Thirty-four youth were surveyed about their experiences and feelings toward the dog while eight staff members of the drop-in center were surveyed about their perceptions of the youth and dog interactions. Structural coding and qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine key responses and to generate salient themes. Interacting with the dog elicited feelings of happiness, love, comfort, ease, safety, and support among the youth. Staff responses supported those of the youth. An emotional support dog is a promising addition to centers for youth who have escaped sex trafficking. Future research is warranted to assess the optimal dose-response relationship of time for survivors of trafficking to spend with a dog.