A Canadian First: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Facility Dog’s Role in Hospital Workers’ Perceived Support and Commitment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Higher absenteeism and turnover rates among healthcare workers stem from increased workloads, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to support staff in this field. An Ontario hospital became the first in Canada to introduce a National Service Dog-certified Facility Dog named Ember in 2022. Objectives This study aimed to assess the association between hospital workers’ interaction with the facility dog and perceived organizational support (POS), and organizational commitment (POC). Design A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods A voluntary survey involving 263 hospital workers was employed to measure these outcomes, using the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support and the Three-Component Model (TCM) Employee Commitment Scale. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential analyses, specifically logistic and linear regressions to identify facility dog-related predictors of POS and POC. Results Staff who frequently and directly interacted with the facility dog reported higher perceived support than those who did not. Additionally, staff who directly interacted with the facility dog had higher levels of continuance commitment. Conclusion Findings suggest that facility dogs may be associated with higher perceived organizational support and organizational commitment, warranting further research in this area.
Source: Health Services Insights
Institutions: University of Guelph, University of Toronto, Laurentian University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W7223288916