Research Areas
Exploring the Effects of Keeping Pets with their Owners in Long-Term Care Facilities
MSVU’s Dr. Ardra Cole, principal investigator, and Margie Knickle, canine research assistant, are shown here with their community partner, Margaret Szabo, Northwood Care (left to right). Sitting with them is their research partner Bella!

As of 2018 nursing homes, including Northwood, have pet therapy programs, or resident cats, or invite friends and family to bring cherished pets in for visits (on leash). No facility in Nova Scotia co-admits elder seniors together with their beloved elder dogs to long-term care. This work will inform future research and development of a canine residency model for long-term care.The purpose of this action research project is to define and describe the multiple meanings, possibilities, and challenges of a dog-in-residence program for people who live in long-term care, their caregivers, and participating dogs.
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