among the number of full-time nurses employed per patient days (Kang & Hasnain-Wynia, 2011). Furthermore, hospitals are able to meet requirements and/or standards to obtain the Joint Commission accreditation status (Diana et al., 2014). Overall, studies have shown that some specific characteristics of hospitals tend to be associated with higher quality of care (Kang & Hasnain-Wynia,
The furry four-legged friends found in places such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes may have a bigger impact than most people know. Dogs participating in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) are encouraged to assist patients in some way needed and usually have a consistent, benevolent nature (“Pet Therapy”). All dogs are extremely intelligent animals. For example, when humans become upset, a certain smell is produced (Tagliaferro). When the smell is released, some therapy