Impact of Inclusion of a Therapy Dog Visit as Part of the Fibromyalgia Treatment Program

Impact of Inclusion of a Dog as Part of the Fibromyalgia Treatment Program on Patient's Physical and Mental Health Functioning - A Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study the investigators hypothesize that the presence of a Mayo Clinic certified therapy dog will provide additional benefits above typical therapy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia currently enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia Program.

The human animal bond refers an emotional relationship between animals and people. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the presence of a dog provide additional benefits above typical therapy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia and also to assess the emotional wellbeing state of the therapy dog.

Inclusion criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at our Fibromyalgia Clinic
• Patients actively being seen at the Fibromyalgia Clinic
• Able and willing to give informed consent
• Able to speak English
• Able to complete questionnaires
• No fear or allergy of dogs

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnoses of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or dementia
• Individuals who decline to participate in the study
• Individuals that are severely allergic to or fearful of dogs