Dr. Dog Malaysia is an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program that brings comfort and happiness to people in need, such as the elderly, orphans, and those with physical or mental disabilities[2]. The program aims to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning[2]. It was started in Malaysia in 2007, and Furry Friends Farm is the only establishment authorized by Animals Asia Foundation to assess a canine’s suitability for the program[3].

Key aspects of the Dr. Dog Malaysia program:

• Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) AAT uses animals as a form of treatment to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning[2]. Advocates say animals can be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. A therapist who brings along a pet may be viewed as being less threatening, increasing the rapport between patient and therapist[2].
• Assessment: Dogs are evaluated based on their temperament, with considerations for gentle and rough touch, reactions to loud noises, and interactions with their owners[3]. The assessment is free of charge, but if the dog passes the test, the owner will need to pay RM35 for a Dr Dog T-shirt as well as tags for both dog and owner[3].
• Requirements: To be certified as a “doctor,” dogs must have a good temperament, be friendly to strangers, and be at least 2 years old[4]. Obedience training isn’t a prerequisite; the focus is on basic command understanding and obedience[3].
• Activities: Qualified Dr. Dogs must attend at least one one-hour home visit each month[3]. Furry Friends Farm will arrange two regular home visits for them every month[3].
• Benefits: A pilot study showed that visits from Dr. Dogs led to increased initiative, verbal communication, and involvement in activities among mentally impaired adults, indicating contentment and better cooperation[2][3].
• Origin: The Dr. Dog program was introduced in Hong Kong by Animals Asia Foundation in 1991[3].
• Home Visits: The program targets youths, elderly people, orphans, handicapped people, mentally disturbed patients, as well as rehab centers. Every visit will last only one hour as they don’t want the dogs to be too tired[3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/DrDogMalaysia/
[2] https://www.hati.my/dr-dog-malaysia/
[3] https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/petshome-when-doctor-dog
[4] https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/pulse/2018/02/334016/calling-dr-dog
[5] https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/51725/volunteers-throng-flood-hit-k9-cottage-to-put-dr-dog-programme-back-on-the-road
[6] https://www.animalsasia.org/de/our-work/cat-and-dog-welfare/what-we-do/dr-dog.html
[7] https://www.dvs.gov.my/dvs/resources/auto%20download%20images/560ce0656356a.pdf
[8] https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/51559/me-and-you-and-a-man-named-salehin

Dr Dog Malaysia