Online training

Certified Professional Course Anthrozoology

IAHAIO is delighted to have teamed up with the Open University of the Netherlands to offer 9 short, theme-based online modules suitable for professionals working in animal-assisted interventions and for anyone new to the field with an interest in animal-assisted interventions.

Each module covers a salient theme in practice and research on human-animal interactions. If you are new to Anthrozoology, or you need to complement your understanding and abilities in this field, these modules are suited for you.

The 9 modules cover the following content in short, theme-based learning blocks:

  1. Introduction to Animal Assisted Interventions
  2. Animal Assisted Interventions in Practice
  3. Animal Assisted Education
  4. Ethology
  5. Training and behaviour of dogs in Animal Assisted Interventions
  6. Ethics and welfare of dogs in Animal Assisted Interventions
  7. Coaching with Equines
  8. The human-animal bond and people living homeless
  9. Evaluation of Animal Assisted Interventions

You can register for each module separately or opt for the Certified Professional Program Anthrozoology, which offers an attractive package price and a diploma upon completion. This whole package requires approximately 140 hours of study; including reading, answering questions, and writing an assignment. You can study in your own pace, but with a maximum of 6 months.

Each module is 125 euros, or you can complete all modules in a package at a cost of 995 euros.

You can start the program at any time during the year.

For more information and to register, please visit the dedicate OU webpage.

Other training

We suggest that anyone wanting to establish a career in AAI has a strong foundation in disciplines such as (but not limited to): animal welfare, animal behaviour, veterinary science, health care (physical and psychological) and social care,and then goes on to continuing, specialist education in AAI.

There are many training courses available in AAI, and it’s very important to consider the quality and credibility of these courses, and to consult with the experts who are delivering AAI, to broaden and strengthen your existing skill-set.

Human and animal health, safety, welfare and well-being are crucial in any AAI programme and should be prioritised by those practising in the field. Ongoing support and supervision for AAI practitioners is also essential. The IAHAIO White Paper is a useful document.

IAHAIO does list training courses from time to time (see below) but this does not imply endorsement of these courses.  We suggest that you contact the International Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ISAAT) or the European Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ESAAT) in the first instance. ISAAT provides a list of members who offer training courses that meet their high standards and are accredited by them. Both organisations also offer guidelines on standards for training courses which is useful when considering training programmes in your area.

MOOC ‘Global Health at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface’

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is open and free to follow for everyone with an interest in Global Health at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface. This MOOC is proposed in English with subtitles in English, French and Chinese. More specifically, it is particularly relevant for Masters and PhD students, researchers and health professionals from the human, animal and environmental sector. This MOOC is based on the One Health approach and it brings together a large diversity of experts from different backgrounds.

 

This course features an excellent video-lecture by IAHAIO Past President, PD. Dr. sc. Dennis Turner of the Institute for applied Ethology and Animal Psychology on ‘Companion Animal Ownership Benefits for Human and Animal Health’.

Besides the excellent video-lecture by Dennis Turner, the course includes other video-lectures that may be of interest to IAHAIO community, such as early-life interactions with animals and prevention of paediatric allergy etc.

For further details on the course and how to enrol, please click here.

Click here for a teaser, outlining this learning experience in global health.

 

Professional Certificate Program in Equine-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health Professionals

This innovative program is run by the Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver.

The Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner Certificate program is open to mental health professionals and graduate students who want to enhance their clinical practice through equine interactions (equine-assisted therapy).

  • Receive education, training, and supervision necessary for ethical practice within your scope
  • Learn techniques tailored to your clinical interests and the clients you serve
  • Complete program regardless of where you live

It is designed for mental health professionals (such as counsellors, clinical psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners) who want to include horses in treatment in a science-based, ethical, and effective manner.

For further information and to find out more about registering, click here.

Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist (CAIS) Certificate

The CAIS curriculum is a hybrid of face-to-face and online curricula. It starts with a two-day Experiential Laboratory in Denver, then continues with three online courses. Fieldwork with multiplace canines takes place in the student’s city. This unique model allows students to practice their canine skills, benefiting both canines and the student. This distinctive certificate focuses on information about canines for human health and services professionals wishing to provide animal-assisted intervention services that are informed and ethical for canines as well as human clients. It carries 222 contact hours and 21 CEUs on a University transcript.

For more information, visit the course website.