Creating Safe Animal-Friendly Spaces in Aged Care: A Recap of the ACIPC Workshop

Creating Safe Animal-Friendly Spaces in Aged Care: A Recap of the ACIPC Workshop

On November 17, 2024, I had the privilege of co-presenting a workshop at the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) conference alongside esteemed colleagues Dr. Jeanette Young and Dr. Torben Nelson. The focus of our session was the SAFE (Safe Animal Friendly Environments) tool , a groundbreaking resource designed to help residential aged care facilities create pet-inclusive environments that prioritize the well-being of both humans and animals.

The Need for Animal-Friendly Aged Care

Around 65% of Australian households share their homes with pets, and for many older adults, these animal companions are not just pets—they are integral to their emotional and physical well-being. Yet, when it comes to residential aged care, most people face significant barriers to bringing their pets with them. Concerns about zoonotic diseases, allergies, pet fears, and the quality of care for animals in these settings are just a few of the challenges that prevent older pet owners from being able to live alongside their furry, feathered, or finned companions.

This disconnect between older adults and their pets in aged care facilities inspired the creation of the SAFE tool—a resource designed to address these challenges and ensure that animal companions can continue to be a source of comfort, joy, and emotional support in residential aged care environments.

Introducing the SAFE Tool

The SAFE tool was developed through a collaboration between veterinary experts (including myself) and other stakeholders including aged care specialists. The tool was created with the generous funding from the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS). It systematically assesses the risks of including common pet species—dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, and fish—into communal living settings. The tool focuses on three primary areas of concern:

1. Animal-to-Human Risks: Considerations such as zoonoses (diseases that can transfer between animals and humans), allergies, and fears of animals.

2. Human-to-Animal Risks: The safety and well-being of the pets, including considerations around stress, injury, and adequate care.

3. Animal-to-Animal Risks: Potential conflicts between pets, particularly in shared living spaces, which can lead to stress or injury for the animals involved.

The tool evaluates these risks in terms of likelihood and impact and offers a range of mitigation strategies, backed by best practice case studies. The ultimate goal is to create environments where both residents and their pets can thrive.

Highlights of the Workshop

Our workshop at the ACIPC conference gave attendees an opportunity to explore these concepts in depth, with a focus on how they can practically apply the SAFE tool to their own aged care settings. We had a diverse group of participants, including aged care providers, infection control specialists, and animal welfare experts. This mix of perspectives led to lively discussions, creative problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities when it comes to housing pets in aged care environments.

Some key takeaways from the workshop included:

• Logistical Challenges: We discussed the practicalities of

  housing pre-existing pets in aged care settings, considering

  factors such as space, hygiene, and the comfort of both animals

  and residents. Participants brainstormed ideas for pet-friendly

  infrastructure, like designated pet areas and the integration of

  pet care services into the facility's routines.

• Safety Protocols: There was a strong focus on how to mitigate

  risks, particularly in relation to zoonoses, allergies, and behavioral

  concerns. Participants were encouraged to think about how the

  SAFE tool could help them assess and manage these risks on a

  case-by-case basis.

• Species-Specific Considerations: As the expert in small

  mammals, I was able to share insights into how different species

  —particularly small mammals like guinea pigs and rabbits

  —might be integrated into aged care settings. We discussed their

  specific needs, as well as how the SAFE tool can help aged care

  providers develop safe and effective plans for these species.

• Creative Solutions: We also brainstormed creative responses to

  barriers in aged care settings, such as providing designated spaces

  for pet therapy programs or creating "pet buddy" systems where

  residents can share responsibility for animal care.

A Successful and Insightful Conference

The ACIPC conference was a resounding success. Not only did it provide a platform for sharing knowledge about the SAFE tool, but it also fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas on how to ensure that aged care facilities can offer a safe, welcoming environment for both residents and their pets. The diverse perspectives from the conference attendees were invaluable, and it was clear that there is a growing commitment within the aged care sector to find ways to make pet ownership more accessible to older adults.

The SAFE tool is just the beginning of what promises to be a broader shift toward more animal-inclusive aged care. With the continued support of organizations like the Society of Companion Animal Studies and the collaboration of veterinary and aged care experts, we are one step closer to ensuring that older pet owners don’t have to choose between their well-being and the companionship of their animals.

As the discussion around pet-friendly aged care continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how tools like SAFE can help shape policies and practices that allow pets to become an integral part of life in residential aged care. Together, we can create environments where people and pets thrive—ensuring that the bond between older adults and their animal companions is never broken, no matter the setting.

Carrie Spinks (Infection Prevention and Control Consultant for

Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Ltd) commented: "Such a great and successful session - enjoyed by all. Thank you for all the effort you put into it and your passion."

Looking Ahead

At Kindred Species, we are committed to supporting aged care providers in their efforts to create animal-friendly spaces. Our work with the SAFE tool is just one example of how we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of both older adults and their pets. As we continue to collaborate with experts in the field and refine our approaches, we look forward to seeing more aged care facilities embrace the power of animal companionship for residents.

For more information about the SAFE tool or to learn how we can assist your facility in creating a pet-friendly environment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

About Kindred Species

Kindred Species is a consultancy dedicated to creating animal-friendly spaces in residential aged care. Our work focuses on ensuring that older adults can continue to benefit from the companionship of their beloved pets, providing practical solutions that enhance the lives of both humans and animals.

The safe tool is free to access on the SCAS website : http://www.scas.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/UniSA-Safe-Animal-Friendly-Environments-7-2022-LowRes.pdf