Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of demographic variables, depression, and pet attitude as predictors of willingness to participate in animal-assisted activity (AAA) programs. The final sample included 57 residents at assisted-living centers in California, most of whom were Caucasian (91%), with a mean age of 82, and a college education (44%). The Pet Attitude Scale (PAS), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and a newly developed scale to measure interest in an AAA program were used in this study. PAS scores and gender were found to predict willingness to participate in an AAA program. These results contribute to the literature surrounding AAA, which has not yet documented predictors of participation among senior citizens. Gaining information about factors that influence participation could be helpful to care providers to address the needs and interests of residents at assisted-living centers.