Pet therapy

If pet therapy is to be incorporated into therapeutic regimens, procedures shall require the animals to be utilized in this modality to be restricted to dogs (canis familiarus), cats (felis domesticatis), birds, and fish. Mammals shall be vaccinated annually for rabies and leptospirosis by a licensed veterinarian. Animals shall be evaluated for the presence of internal parasites semi-annually by a licensed veterinarian and shall be evaluated for the presence of external parasites as needed. Birds obtained for use in pet therapy shall be from breeding establishments free from avian chlamydiosis (psittacosis). Animals shall be humanely housed in designated areas under staff control. The infection control committee and the medical staff shall approve any program prior to initiation. The facility shall evaluate the temperament of animals before they are considered appropriate for pet therapy. SUBCHAPTER 25. SURGICAL SERVICES