Animal assisted therapy consent forms are legal documents ensuring patients fully understand and agree to the specific nature of interventions involving therapy animals. In New Zealand, these forms must satisfy the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, explicitly detailing potential risks such as allergies or zoonoses, while confirming the animal’s veterinary health status and the patient’s right to withdraw.
Integrating animals into therapeutic practice transforms the clinical environment, offering profound psychological and physiological benefits. However, the introduction of a biological agent—be it a canine, equine, or small mammal—introduces unique variables that standard clinical consent forms do not cover. For New Zealand practitioners, from psychologists to occupational therapists, ensuring your documentation is robust is not merely an administrative task; it is a critical component of ethical practice and liability management.
The Legal Framework in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the provision of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) operates under strict regulatory oversight. Unlike general therapy, where the primary interaction is human-to-human, AAT requires a tripartite agreement involving the clinician, the client, and the welfare of the animal. Your consent forms must reflect this complexity to be legally defensible.
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights
The cornerstone of your documentation is Right 7: Right to Make an Informed Choice and Give Informed Consent. Under the HDC (Health and Disability Commissioner) Act, consent must be written, specific, and freely given. For AAT, this means the patient must explicitly understand that an animal is part of the treatment modality. Implied consent is insufficient when live animals are involved due to the inherent unpredictability of biological creatures.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Practitioners must also view consent through the lens of the Health and Safety at Work Act. In this context, the therapy animal is technically a “hazard” that must be managed. Your consent form serves as proof that you have communicated the safety protocols (controls) to the client, and they have accepted the residual risk associated with interacting with the animal.
Privacy Act 2020
When collecting data regarding a patient’s history with animals (e.g., previous trauma involving dogs or specific phobias), you are collecting sensitive health information. Your consent forms must include a privacy statement detailing how this information is stored, who has access to it, and how long it will be retained, in strict accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
Essential Components of an AAT Consent Form
A standard medical waiver is inadequate for AAT. To protect your practice and your patients, your animal assisted therapy consent forms must include specific clauses that address the biological reality of the intervention.
1. Animal Health and Temperament Declaration
The form should explicitly state that the animal has been vetted for health and behaviour. It should confirm that the animal is up-to-date with vaccinations, free of parasites (fleas/worms), and has passed a relevant temperament assessment (such as those provided by Canine Friends Pet Therapy or similar NZ bodies).
2. Hygiene and Zoonosis Protocols
Infection control is paramount. The document must outline the hygiene protocols the patient is expected to follow, such as hand sanitising before and after the session. It must also briefly define zoonosis (diseases transferable from animals to humans) and confirm the patient accepts this remote risk.
3. Exclusion Criteria
The form must require the patient to disclose conditions that might make AAT unsafe. This includes:
- Allergies: Specific dander or saliva allergies.
- Immunosuppression: Patients with compromised immune systems may be at higher risk.
- Phobias: Cynophobia (fear of dogs) or other animal-related fears.
Communicating Risks and Benefits to Patients
Informed consent is a process, not just a signature. The conversation surrounding the form is where the therapeutic alliance begins. You must present a balanced view of why the animal is present and what could go wrong.
Explaining the Benefits
Clearly articulate the evidence-based benefits relevant to the patient’s treatment plan. For example, explain how the presence of a therapy dog can lower cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, or act as a “social lubricant” to make talking about difficult trauma easier. This helps the patient understand the clinical justification for the animal’s presence.
Disclosing the Risks
Transparency builds trust. You must verbally review the risks listed in the form. While therapy animals are highly trained, they are sentient beings. Risks include:
- Unpredictable Behaviour: Even the calmest animal can react to sudden noises or pain.
- Minor Injuries: Scratches from claws or accidental bumps.
- Allergic Reactions: Respiratory distress or skin irritation.
AAT Consent Form Template Structure
Below is a structural template tailored for New Zealand practitioners. You can copy this structure to create your own branded documents. Note: Always have your final legal documents reviewed by a qualified legal professional.
[Clinic Name] Animal Assisted Therapy Consent
1. Description of Service
I understand that [Clinic Name] offers Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) as part of its treatment modalities. I understand that a therapy animal (specifically [Animal Name], a [Breed/Type]) will be present during my sessions to assist in achieving therapeutic goals.
2. Animal Health & Safety Assurance
I have been informed that the therapy animal is:
- Currently vaccinated and free of parasites.
- Regularly groomed and maintained in good health.
- Evaluated for temperament and suitability for therapy work.
3. Disclosure of Risks
I acknowledge that while every precaution is taken, interacting with animals carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- Allergic reactions (dander, saliva).
- Scratches, nips, or bruising from physical contact.
- Transfer of zoonotic infections (though highly unlikely).
4. Client Responsibilities & Exclusions
I agree to:
- Disclose any known allergies to animals.
- Treat the animal with respect and follow the therapist’s instructions regarding interaction.
- Sanitise hands before and after contact.
I confirm I do not have a known history of animal abuse or severe phobias that would make this therapy unsafe.
5. Right to Withdraw
I understand that I may withdraw my consent for the animal to be present at any time, without affecting my right to access other services at [Clinic Name].
Patient Name: __________________________
Signature: __________________________ Date: _________
Record Keeping and Compliance Best Practices
Once the animal assisted therapy consent forms are signed, the workflow shifts to retention and compliance. In New Zealand, health records must generally be retained for 10 years from the last date of service.
Digital Storage and Security
Paper forms are increasingly obsolete and risky. Scanning signed forms into a secure Patient Management System (PMS) is the gold standard. Ensure your PMS servers are located in New Zealand or a jurisdiction with comparable privacy laws (like Australia) to satisfy data sovereignty requirements.
Updates and Re-Consent
Consent is not a “one and done” event. You should revisit the consent form in the following scenarios:
- Change of Animal: If you retire one therapy dog and introduce a new one, a new form is required as the specific “hazard” has changed.
- Change in Health Status: If the patient develops a new allergy or their immune status changes.
- Significant Time Lapse: If a patient returns to therapy after a year or more, re-signing ensures they are reminded of the protocols.
Incident Reporting
If an incident occurs (e.g., a nip or a scratch), it must be documented immediately in an incident report, cross-referenced with the signed consent form. This demonstrates that the risk was disclosed and that the clinic followed due process in managing the event. This documentation is vital for ACC claims or HDC investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate consent form for animal assisted therapy?
Yes. Standard medical consent forms do not cover the specific risks associated with live animals, such as zoonotic diseases, allergies, or unpredictable behaviour. A specific addendum or separate form is required to ensure informed consent is valid under NZ law.
Can children sign their own AAT consent forms?
In New Zealand, while children under 16 can consent if they are deemed “Gillick competent,” it is best practice in AAT contexts to obtain a parent or guardian’s signature for minors to ensure full legal coverage regarding liability.
How often should AAT consent forms be updated?
Consent forms should be reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change in the therapy setup, such as the introduction of a new therapy animal or a change in the patient’s medical condition.
What if a patient refuses to sign the animal waiver?
If a patient refuses to sign the AAT waiver, the animal cannot be part of their treatment. You must offer them standard therapy without the animal present to ensure they are not denied service, in accordance with the Code of Rights.
Are digital signatures valid for therapy consent in NZ?
Yes, digital signatures are legally valid in New Zealand under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, provided the method identifies the person and indicates their approval of the information.
Does the consent form protect against all liability?
No consent form acts as a total shield against negligence. However, a robust form proves that the patient was fully informed of the risks and accepted them, which is a critical defence in any complaint to the HDC or liability claim.