Have you ever wondered if a service dog or assistance animal could benefit your child and family? Has your youngster asked you if he or she could have a pet? A better question may be, when was the last time they did? Chances are, you have answered affirmatively to one of those questions. Maybe your family has already discovered the many pleasures that furry friends can bring to any household.
In this article, we explore how to size and design a dog den (doghouse) or pet space, as well as spaces that will encourage youth participation in the routine and pet activities required by the animal on a daily basis. Pets and assistance animals have the ability to bring pure happiness and joy. They can be of assistance in many ways, performing specific tasks and providing emotional support at the same time. A dog can truly be a kid’s best friend.
The hypothesis here is that your child or youth with impairment will be more likely be able to carry out pet care routines when they actively take part in the design of the pet care & living spaces. By making the dog room or pet space useable and functional for the youngster and the animal, the youngster will be more empowered (and more willing) to participate in many of the pet care activities that having a pet requires.
Estimates are that 78 million dogs and 85.5 million cats are family owned in the USA. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog and 35% have a cat. That accounts for over half of all families living with pets. The percentages in Canada and Mexico are similar. North Americans love their pets!
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