What motivates arrangements of dog visits in nursing homes? Experiences by dog handlers and nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Dog visits to nursing homes are used as a structured approach for enhancing residents' well-being. Few studies have emphasized the perspectives of the organizers. The purpose of the present study was to gain insight into the experiences of volunteer dog handlers and nurses involved in dog visits to nursing homes, focusing on what motivated them to contribute and identifying possible factors to successful dog visits.

METHODS: Individual, in-depth interviews with eight dog handlers and group interviews with 10 nurses from four nursing homes.

RESULTS: Feelings of meaningfulness and joy motivated both the dog handlers and nurses to arrange dog visits to nursing homes. Successful visits depended on shared information and collaboration.

CONCLUSION: Both groups were motivated by the positive impact of dog visits on nursing home residents. Dog visits may be health-promoting not only for residents, but for the volunteer dog handlers as well.