Navigating Loss in Animal-Assisted Services: Volunteer Experiences and Implications for Programs Following Therapy Dog Death or Retirement.

Résumé

Animal-assisted services (AAS) depend on volunteer handler-dog teams, yet the emotional and relational impacts on volunteers when their therapy dog dies or retires remain largely unexplored. This study examines AAS volunteers' experiences following the death or retirement of their therapy dog partner. An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was administered between January and June 2025. A total of 247 individual responses were analyzed. Over half of survey participants (56%) had lost a therapy dog to death, and 36.6% had retired a dog. Although most volunteers who resumed AAS with a new dog reported excitement and renewed purpose, many experienced sadness linked to their previous partner. Retirement decisions were primarily driven by dog welfare concerns and were often experienced as an ambiguous loss. Social constraints were common; participants frequently perceived minimization or discomfort from others when attempting to discuss their grief. In conclusion, therapy dog death and retirement represent significant emotional and relational losses for AAS volunteers. Organizational practices, including anticipatory retirement planning, welfare-centered guidelines, recognition rituals, and structured support during successor-dog transitions may help mitigate distress and foster healthy adjustment. Findings are discussed in relation to theory-informed, practical implications for animal-assisted service practitioners and organizations.