Developing a multi-disciplinary pet placement program for community-based elderly

F E. Netting
C C. Wilson
John C. New Jr., University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Abstract

This article describes the Knoxville, Tennessee Pet Placement Program developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a public health educator, a veterinarian, and a social worker. The project was funded by the Levi Strauss Foundation and the Aetna Life and Casualty Foundation, and sponsored by the Greater Knoxville Senior Citizens Home Aide Service. The Functional Assessment Inventory (FAI) and the Pet Attitude Inventory (PAI) were used to evaluate the project. One hundred and three elderly persons were interviewed, and twenty-two persons requested animal companions.