# Decision Making: Working with Pets

> The health benefits that pets bring to humans has been widely researched Scientific studies show that spending time with pets can produce significant physic

Source: https://helper-support.fivegoodfriends.com.au/en_us/decision-making-working-with-pets-SJuPOq8_j

Last updated: 2024-09-17T02:42:26.869Z

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## Navigating pet interactions

The health benefits that pets bring to humans have been widely researched. Scientific studies show that spending time with pets can produce significant physical and emotional responses across all age groups. This is especially true for older people and those living with a disability in the community.

An animal's value to a person’s life can’t be underestimated. 

It’s actually pretty amazing when you stop and think how the simple act of caring for a pet can produce such powerfully positive reactions in our loved ones. We wrote [here](https://www.fivegoodfriends.com.au/blog/how-pets-help-us-as-we-grow-older) about four well-researched benefits of living with a pet. 

Pets bring joy to so many of us.  As a Helper, they can also be a source of risk during your visits, requiring some consideration around boundaries. 

Whether you’re thinking about bringing your own pet to a visit, considering a Member’s request to care for a pet while they’re away, or wondering how to behave around a Member’s pet, it’s important to be aware of your boundaries and follow Five Good Friends policies to keep you and your Members' safe.

 We have a short, animated module that will walk you through how to use the Stop-Think-Go decision-making tool to handle potentially risky situations involving pets during your visits.

### Further questions and enrolment

To enrol directly, go [LearnUpon](https://fivegoodfriends.learnupon.com/catalog/courses) and self-enrol.

For further information, call us on 1300 787 581 or email [learning.development@fivegoodfriends.com.au](mailto:learning.development@fivegoodfriends.com.au).

## Enhance your skills with our Decision Making Modules

Our Decision Making Modules training series is designed to enhance your caregiving skills by providing practical solutions for a range of scenarios. 

This comprehensive series includes seven focused modules, each aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to handle various challenges effectively. The modules offer valuable insights and actionable tools to help you deliver the highest quality of care and support.

##  Explore additional Decision Making Modules

Our Decision Making training series features seven modules designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for a variety of scenarios when supporting a Member. The modules include:

1.  **Member Not at Home:** Manage situations when a Member is not present, ensuring their safety and clear communication.
2.  **Conflict of Interest:** Identify and navigate conflicts to maintain professional integrity.
3.  **Member Emergency:** Respond effectively during emergencies to ensure Member safety.
4.  **Managing Members' Money:** Support Members in financial independence while safeguarding against risks.
5.  **Giving Medical Advice:** Understand the boundaries and responsibilities in providing medical advice.
6.  **Working with Pets:** Interact with pets in caregiving settings to foster a harmonious environment.
7.  **Accepting and Receiving Gifts:** Follow protocols for gifts to maintain professionalism.

Each module is designed to provide you with practical tools and knowledge to excel in your role, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle a variety of situations with confidence and competence. Discover all of these Decision Making Modules in [LearnUpon](https://fivegoodfriends.learnupon.com/catalog/courses).
