Skip to content
MARCH SALE - SAVE UP TO 50% ON COURSES & UP TO 98% ON BUNDLES - ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - CLICK HERE
MARCH SALE - SAVE UP TO 50% ON COURSES & UP TO 98% ON BUNDLES - ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - CLICK HERE

Country

Request Your FREE Course Info-Pack Now!

About This Course

Enjoy these Benefits and Discover this Popular but Little-Known Animal Assisted Therapy!

  • Get a professional understanding of how animals can positively affect our mental, physical, and psychological health
  • Learn what makes dogs the perfect dog assistants
  • Know the long-term benefits of animal-assisted therapy
  • Learn what makes animal-assisted therapy special from other types of therapies
  • Medical conditions and practical applications
  • The benefits of having pets in your family, children, and pets
  •  Proper care of your therapy animals
  • Common questions about using animals for therapy answered

Study Animal Assisted Therapy Certification and Discover How Animals Make Great Therapists

Our Animal Assisted Therapy Online Course will discuss Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal-Assisted Therapies (AAT). The course will provide information on the effects of animals on human mental, physical, and psychological health.

Even though the positions are sometimes interchangeable, “Animal Assistants” and “Therapy Animals” serve different purposes for humans. While explaining what specific animals may give in terms of aid, the Animal Assisted Therapy Course discusses these differences and how they overlap.

For a variety of causes and conditions, students will learn that animals make excellent therapists. In addition, you will understand how they can help with mental health difficulties and how they develop.

People have specific requirements that must be addressed in order for them to be happy and well. The lack of these needs can lead to mental illness, which can lead to physical illness. In this course, we address the scientific discoveries that link mental health to the presence of animals, as well as the specific things that animals can do to improve our mental and physical health.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

      Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources

      Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)

      Be a self-directed learner

      Possess sound language and literacy skills

Why You Need This Animal Assisted Therapy Course

Are you a mental health professional looking to integrate animal-assisted therapy into your practice? Enroll in the Animal Assisted Therapy Course, available online through Courses for Success!

In this course, you will learn how animals make great therapists and the applications of animal-assisted therapies (AAT) in physical, psychological, and social interventions. You will understand the history, ethical considerations, and welfare of therapy animals.

The course focuses on developing treatment plans and interventions encompassing animal partners and provides additional insight into the behavior and training of animals. You will discover how to integrate animal assistants into art therapy, sound therapy, play therapy, and other types of therapy.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Course offers a comprehensive guide for understanding animal language and body language and how they impact mental health. You will explore the difference between canine behavior and equine-assisted activities and interventions. You will also learn about training considerations for service and therapy dogs.

This online certificate program is designed to provide a range of professionals, including social workers, counselors, and clinicians, with a therapist certification in animal-assisted therapy.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Course is available completely online, so you can learn at your own pace and receive continuing education for your professional development. The course provides detailed course materials, and the course content is easy to understand, providing a comprehensive and practical overview of AAT.

Through this course, you will gain in-depth knowledge that will help you offer therapeutic interventions that incorporate animals, legally and ethically. Taking this therapy certification course will provide you with the skills to build lasting relationships with clients and animals, and you will receive invaluable feedback, leading to a fulfilling career.

Quick Course Facts
  1. Course content is structured for easy comprehension

  2. Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Animal Assisted Therapy Certification

  3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device

  4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace

  5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

Animal Assisted Therapy Certification Outline

Module 1: Introduction

Purpose of AAT

AAT, or animal-assisted therapy, is a therapy that primarily focuses on animal-human interactions. The therapy can stand alone or be used with traditional therapeutic methods to help the client relax.

Animal-Assisted Activity

      It tends to be introduced to a group of people to enhance the quality of life

      Not as structured or stringent as AAT

      Goals are not outlined with each visit

Animal-Assisted Therapy:

      Much more structured and goal-oriented

      It tends to be integrated within a planned treatment process

      Carried out by a qualified professional who knows how to handle the animals and plan the therapy correctly

Knowledge Check

Everyone grooms the dog, and it is merely there to provide momentary anxiety relief; the timeline for when it happens is not set, and it happens once a month. On the other hand, the second option looks to someone with a disability as a medical prescription. The inclusion of an animal in the therapeutic process looks to be quite regimented and goal-oriented, with weekly progress measurements. This scenario appears to be far more formal and permanent than the last one. Therefore, it must be AAT.

Types of Animals

Due to their amiable demeanor, widespread popularity, and empathic features, dogs appear to be the most excellent option of AAT animals overall. A dog is a jack-of-all-trades for all AAT purposes. Therefore, if you are unsure which animal to prescribe for your client, a dog is the most excellent option.

Therapist Qualifications

It would help if you understood that AAT is a systematic therapy that can be employed independently or as part of a larger medical strategy. It is not as informal or undocumented as AAA, and it does not have a single purpose or format.

Specializations

Some animal-assisted therapists specialize in a particular species of animal. Equine-Assisted Therapy, for example, is a subsection of this category that focuses on the use of horses.

Module 2: AAT and Mental Health

In the modern world, seeking therapy in any form has long been a taboo matter. You effectively acknowledge a problem by choosing to counsel, which some individuals find extremely difficult to do.

Long-Term Effect

It lasts a long time. According to studies, the treatment results remain much more extended than trying to cure things on your own. This is since much of the work is completed after the therapy has ended.

Openness

You can get everything out in the open during therapy. Sorting things out on your own, especially when it comes to psychological diseases, might leave a lot of prior trauma and buried sentiments unaffected.

Sense of Identity

You automatically begin to assume a new identity as you adopt new habits. Your identity is fundamentally defined by who you are and, more importantly, how you think. According to studies, persons who have gone through therapy have a different perspective on other people. This mental adjustment could help them deal with their issues, particularly their anger and anxiety.

Self-Confidence

Outside of the sessions, therapy exists. When you do things yourself, you might get rid of all of the negative emotions and sentiments you are experiencing right now.

Sharing

A shared difficulty is a problem halved. This is the most apparent advantage of available therapy, yet it is also underappreciated. Many of us go through life not wanting to share our concerns and problems with the people we care about because we do not want to burden them. Instead, we keep everything bottled up, trying to deal with it on our own.

Growing Together

The best part about therapy-based skills is that anyone can learn them. You can describe the tactics and mechanisms you learn in those sessions to your closest friends and family. They then tell their friends, who tell their friends, and so on. Therapy should not be viewed as a process that benefits the individual and those around them.

Applications of AAT

We have gone through the advantages of available therapy; now it is time to return to AAT and why someone would require it. As previously stated, AAT is a very versatile therapy format that may address a wide range of disorders and concerns.

Module 3: Stress and AAT

This section will go over the basics of stress, why it is terrible for you, and how AAT has been proved to help clients cope with stress. The fight-or-flight response is a sophisticated organism’s evolutionary response to assist them to respond to a threat. Consider someone going through a dense jungle.

How exactly does AAT reduce stress levels?

A rush of endorphins is always felt when people create a bond with an animal, whether through petting or simply caring for them. Petting animals, in particular, can release oxytocin. This hormone is associated with the warm, fuzzy sensation you experience after completing a satisfying task. It has been demonstrated to control our perception of the world and our ability to trust and process pleasant memories.

Module 4: Physical Applications of AAT

AAT’s potential to relieve stress and anxiety is quite restricted; as previously stated, AAT alone will not alleviate chronic stress. Instead, it works in conjunction with more traditional therapeutic methods to get the greatest possible outcome for the client.

Cardiovascular Health

Clients have a lesser chance of heart disease and cardiac arrest when their heart rate and blood pressure are constantly reduced.

Chronic and Acute Pain

Animals can enhance mood, which can lead to the release of pain-relieving chemicals. Bonding with animals has been shown in several studies to relieve stress and tension.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is caused by electrical messages being relayed through the brain. These messages build up, resulting in seizures, convulsions, and, in rare circumstances, complete brain shutdown. AAT can stop the accumulation of electrical activity in a client’s brain because of its strong relaxing effects. Some dogs have even been trained to assist epileptic patients during seizures.

Physical Rehabilitation

AAT dramatically shortened the healing period of women who had spine surgery, according to research. They were also excited to participate due to the presence of the animals.

Improvement of Motor Skills

AAT is marginally better at improving fine motor abilities than traditional therapy methods, according to studies. AAT is beneficial for the recovery of physical problems, but it also allows for significant improvements in the client’s motivation.

Assistance in Daily Life

Visual impairment is another physical problem that AAT animals can help with. This is true for both partial and complete blindness and is typically addressed with the assistance of a guide dog. The owner can successfully navigate their surroundings without danger of damage or getting lost by giving the dog verbal/hand signs during the voyage.

Dual-Purpose Dogs

A dual-purpose dog may be required if the owner has multiple disabilities. A dual-purpose dog, by definition, is a service animal that assists persons with vision impairments and one other physical disability.

Case Study

In the absence of sensory input, a young woman with limited hearing and vision struggled to complete fundamental activities. Her ability to function on her own was severely hampered. Her life, however, was turned upside down when she received a dual-purpose service dog. She is alerted to sounds such as doorbells and sirens by her dog. This insight aided the young woman in becoming more self-sufficient and living alone.

Therapy Dog Roles

Dogs have always been a popular choice for cognitive and physical services, and they have been assisting humans with problems since 1927. Therapy dogs have been divided into three groups based on the issue they help treat, thanks to their adaptability and overall helpfulness.

Module 5: Emotional Applications of AAT

In this chapter, we will look at the emotional aspect of AAT and how repeated sessions can change a client’s well-being and worldview.

Emotions in Animal and Human Development

To completely comprehend how powerful AAT is on an emotional level, we must first answer the question, “What are emotions, and how do they influence our lives?” Simply said, emotions are complex reactions to our environment and situations. The only things essential organisms could “feel” were a natural attraction to meals and mates, as well as a sensation of danger when confronted with a threat.

Emotions and AAT

On the other hand, AAT has been demonstrated to have an impact on our emotions, bringing them back into equilibrium. These feelings may only last a short time, but the client may learn to make them permanent with the help of various therapies.

Emotional Support Animals

If the animal has excellent potential for empathy and bonding, it may be specifically trained to provide emotional support. They are not designated “service animals” because the training requirements are not as stringent. They can, however, be just as vital in improving the well-being of individuals in need.

Module 6: Disability and AAT

Emotions are not the only factor that influences how individuals act and think. Learning capacity, attention span, sociability, thought repression, and vocalization is more complicated features that play a role in our identity.

Neurodivergence

Consider all of these neurological characteristics as a spectrum. So, for example, “low capacity for learning” is on one end of the range, while “high learning capacity” is on the other. Most of us will lie somewhere in the middle of these spectrums, with an average attention span, sociability, and learning capability. These people are referred described as “neurotypical.”

Conditions Treated with AAT

While AAT can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, certain illnesses have been demonstrated to benefit from it more than others.

Autism

Poor eye contact, a monotone voice, and an inability to notice social cues are all classic symptoms of this illness. Autistic people may have difficulty detecting nuance, humor, and irony in speech and take everything literally.

Dyslexia

This is a condition that impairs a person’s ability to read text. Their reading will be rigid and slow, and they will have difficulty spelling. This can be seen in their speech, as they may struggle to find the correct words or vocalize fluent sentences without pausing.

Dyscalculia

This is dyslexia’s numerical equivalent. Poor mental arithmetic, a poor sense of estimating, and a poor grasp of place value are symptoms of dyscalculia.

Epilepsy

Epileptic episodes are initiated by an overriding of electrical instructions conveyed throughout the brain, as previously stated. Seizures are a symptom of this. This is due, in part, to the numerous electrical impulses that overstimulate muscles.

Hyperlexia

This syndrome can cause children to have the above-average reading ability but poor communication skills. They could also have behavioral issues or difficulty grasping essential topics. Surprisingly, they may be able to pick up on certain concepts rapidly. They are thought to be able to do this by repeating the knowledge until it becomes second nature. That is why they excel at reading: it is a piece of information that they can readily repeat in their heads.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a cognitive-motor disorder that presents itself as general clumsiness. Specific symptoms include:

      Poor hand-eye coordination

      Trouble learning new things

      An abnormal posture, gait, or way of moving

      Difficulty writing or using fine motor skills

ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a term used to describe a condition with much energy. This is a typical problem in children that causes them to lose focus. As a result, they become more eager and energized. This makes learning particularly difficult for them, and it may impact their ability to keep down a job later in life.

Tourette’s Syndrome

With this disease, thought suppression is exceedingly low, resulting in a high level of vocalization. Low repression affects motor abilities, resulting in twitching, jerking, and vocal outbursts called “tics.”

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a comprehensive treatment that tries to improve patients’ ability to do daily tasks. Horseback riding, for example, is an excellent natural remedy for people who have balance concerns. The patient will discuss with the therapist all of the obstacles they confront in life, whether physical or cognitive, in the first few sessions. The exercises can be practised when the patient’s goals have been defined.

Socializing for Autistic Patients

Typical therapy formats for autistic children may result in prolonged development from standard therapy formats. This is due to their difficulty in effectively expressing their thoughts and tendency to become apprehensive when confronted with unexpected situations.

Learning

Many neurodivergent disabilities have an impact on learning. Dyscalculia is a mental arithmetic disorder. Reading and spelling are both affected by dyslexia. Hyperlexia impairs one’s capacity to comprehend specific topics. ADHD affects attention, which makes it difficult to retain knowledge.

Case Study: ADHD

Their grades have suffered due to their condition, and they believe they have yet to reach their full potential due to their hyperactivity and short attention span. Teenagers with ADHD have been prescribed a long treatment block of occupational therapy and AAT as part of a program to help them.

Module 7: AAT and children

It is your obligation as an animal-assisted therapist to make the necessary adjustments for each session. The alterations you make will be determined mainly by the patient’s needs (e.g., their disability/disorder, allergies, and requests). You may need to make more adjustments than average in some circumstances. FOR EXAMPLE, an AAT session with children presents several unique obstacles, necessitating several changes to the usual approach.

Challenge #1: Dependency

Problem: When AAT is used alongside other therapies, the youngster may become overly reliant on the animal. The animal may not be as receptive, friendly, or eager if not present during the other therapies.

Solutions:

You must make sure that the other therapies are enjoyable and inspirational in their own right. If the youngster solely looks forward to the AAT, the other therapies are not stimulating enough. Attempt to include the animal in all other treatments if the child is undergoing occupational therapy, including the animal in those sessions. If the child is receptive and cooperative during the other therapies, reward them with a brief AAT session.

Challenge #2: Allergies

Problem: The youngster may be allergic to some animals or have a high risk of a reaction depending on their medical history.

Solutions:

Try a skin prick test if you are still unsure whether a youngster is allergic to a specific animal. A doctor will use a needle to prick the child’s skin for some test allergens to enter.

Challenge #3: Animal Responses

Problem: Improper handling may cause the animal to get distressed. This could cause the session to be disrupted or the animal to be harmed.

Solutions:

Approach the animal with caution if it shows signs of distress while being petted. They will not be as stressed as a result of the sudden moves. In a calm and composed manner, move the animal away from the child. It is good to teach the youngster basic stroking techniques again if the stress was caused by poor touching.

Challenge #4: Lack of Comfort

Problem: The child may be unfamiliar with animals in general, which could lead to distress.

Solutions:

This activity aims to provide the youngster with an animal that they enjoy spending time with and is also familiar with. If the child becomes upset when the animal is presented, calm down the youngster and remove the animal calmly. Reopen your animal portfolio and ask them to choose another alternative that will not stress them out.

Challenge #5: Unintentional Physical Interaction

Problem: The child may be unintentionally harmed by the animal due to size differences. For example, a dog may lean on a child, which could be frightening to some patients.

Solutions:

While the child or parent has the last say, you must consider whether that option is acceptable for the child’s size and age. Using larger animals such as golden retrievers and horses with a very young child may be a terrible choice. If your youngster is not interested in a dog, consider a cat, tortoise, or rabbit instead. Almost all animals are suitable for usage at older ages.

The Role of Family Pets

Therapists may try to incorporate existing family pets into therapy in some circumstances. Bringing a dog to a session is one example. This is especially beneficial for youngsters who have trouble communicating, regulating their conduct, or controlling their emotions. Parents can use pets to demonstrate concepts such as attachment and boundaries.

Benefits for Children

When AAT is used with youngsters, it tends to have the most impact. This is not to say that AAT will not assist adults, but it appears that children place a higher priority on animal-human connections than other age groups. Because many of your patients will be children, you must understand what AAT can and cannot do for them. Looking at scientific research is the most powerful approach to grasp this.

Case Study 1: Pain Relief

Researchers highlighted that very few studies on the benefits of AAT on pain alleviation had been conducted. To address this, they conducted a study including 57 children ranging in age from 3 to 17. AAT was used on 18 of the 57 people. The remaining 39 served as the control group, undergoing no AAT.

Case Study 2: Stress in the Hospital

When children are hospitalized, they often experience high amounts of stress, according to the researchers. They anticipated that AAT/AAA could be a helpful strategy for keeping youngsters calm and collected during their hospital stay.

Case Study 3: Pervasive Development Disorders

The researchers intended to see how AAT affected neurodivergent children with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorders). A lack of social competence is a defining feature of many illnesses.

Module 8: Caring for Therapy Animals

We have mainly concentrated on the uses and benefits of AAT in this course. We have looked at how it affects a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being, all of which work together to improve a patient’s health. We have discussed the various types of AAT animals and why dogs are the most common service animals. In light of this, we looked into the functions of dual-purpose canines and how they may assist persons with multiple disabilities.

The welfare of Therapy Animals

You are probably reading this course because you wish to work as an animal-assisted therapist. So it seems only natural that we concentrate on what to expect during the sessions and what strategies we can use to ensure that the patient has the most significant possible experience.

Neutral Colors

Providing a neutral environment for your therapy animal is one method to care for them. They will not be stressed or anxious when they are introduced to the patient this way. Make sure the room is not too bright and has a neutral colour scheme. To keep the animal from becoming upset or distracted, use plain pastel hues. Posters and photographs may be displayed on the walls, but make sure they do not attract the animal’s attention.

Toys

If your therapy program includes providing toys for the animal throughout the room, do so. The patient might make use of these to aid in the bonding process.

Stuffed Toys

Toys with any kind of stuffing are a terrible idea since the dog can simply chew them open and devour the contents. Poly-Fil is particularly hazardous since some dog breeds are unable to digest it safely. This might cause intestinal difficulties in the animal, which can occasionally be fatal.

Squeaky Toys

Any toy with a squeaker is risky for your dog since it may try to remove the squeaker from the inside. If they succeed, they may consume the squeaker, posing a severe choking hazard. The patient may be distressed by squeaks and other noises. Make sure your therapy room exclusively contains silent toys.

Latex Toys

Although this is not usually a problem, it is recommended to stay away from them just in case. Latex can cause allergic responses in dogs, just as it can in humans. If they have lately played with a latex toy, look for blisters, rashes, and hair loss. If you do, there is a significant possibility that your pet is allergic to something.

Toys Containing Phthalates

Vinyl has a particular odor due to phthalates, which are very hazardous chemicals. They can cause significant liver and kidney damage if breathed. If your dog chews on these toys, the gases released by the toy may be inhaled. If done over a lengthy period, your animal’s health may be jeopardized.

Tug Ropes

Tug ropes may appear to be harmless, but they can cause significant damage to a dog’s front and side teeth. Dogs’ teeth can also become clogged with strings and bits. Playing with these toys may cause dogs to display more naturally aggressive body language. This could agitate the patient or make them scared of the dog.

Edible Toys

Toys produced from edible materials, such as rawhide, could distract a therapy dog. Even though therapy dogs are well-trained, the presence of food may cause them to abandon their training and become possessive of the food item.

Tennis Balls

This is one of the most frequent dog toys. However, it poses a choking threat, especially for large dogs. Smaller dogs do not have this difficulty. Thus, if all of your dogs are little, you can use tennis balls (or anything similar).

Stress in Therapy Animals

Keeping your calm and collected is something you will have to work on during the lesson. If you appear relaxed, the patient will most likely do the same. When introducing an animal, this is especially true. The animal is less likely to feel stressed as a result of your calm demeanour and actions.

Emergency Planning

If you are using therapy animals in your practice, you should have an emergency plan in place. This could entail establishing a working connection with a nearby veterinarian facility or arranging for animals to be transported for care on short notice.

Patient Safety

As previously said, both the patient and the animal are treated equally. We have talked about ensuring the therapy animal’s well-being, such as picking the correct toys and spotting signals of unhappiness or pain.

Question #1: Do You Have Allergies?

This is a must-ask question before the session. You would be shocked at how many people are allergic to proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, and urine, some of whom are unaware of it. Expect runny noses, congestion, and rash formation if you have these allergies, which are pretty similar to hay fever. The patient may have a severe allergic reaction to the animal and experience anaphylactic shock in some cases.

Question #2: Are You Afraid of Animals?

Patients may be completely unaware of their fears. For example, some young children may have never seen an animal up close. Beginning with a strong barrier can assist children in determining whether or not they are fearful. Allowing a child to meet a dog through a gate, for example, can be reassuring.

Question #3: Which Animal Would You Prefer?

As we discussed in a previous lesson, giving the patient a choice helps them have the best therapeutic experience possible. This question is not necessary if you only have one therapy animal. If you have more than one, make sure the patient has a say in which one they want.

Question #4: How Are You Feeling?

You might wish to track how well the therapy is working for your patient. A simple question asking participants to rate their stress levels before and after the session will provide excellent contrast. You can confidently conclude that AAT has had some short-term advantages on the patient if their stress levels have decreased. You may ask them a series of scaled questions about their overall pleasure, how much pain they are in, or how sad they are.

Course Summary

You have completed the Animal Assisted Therapy course. We hope you gained much knowledge from each unit and are now ready to dive into the realm of AAT. Because we have covered so much material, it may seem daunting at first.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate.

This Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.

Show More Hide
Units of Study

Module 1: Introduction

  • Purpose of AAT
  • Animal-Assisted Activity
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy
  • Knowledge Check
  • Types of Animals
  • Therapist Qualifications
  • Specializations

Module 2: AAT and Mental Health

  • Long-Term Effect
  • Openness
  • Sense of Identity
  • Self-Confidence
  • Sharing
  • Growing Together
  • Applications of AAT

Module 3: Stress and AAT

  • How exactly does AAT reduce stress levels?

Module 4: Physical Applications of AAT

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Chronic and Acute Pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Improvement of Motor Skills
  • Assistance in Daily Life
  • Dual-Purpose Dogs
  • Case Study
  • Therapy Dog Roles

Module 5: Emotional Applications of AAT

  • Emotions in Animal and Human Development
  • Emotions and AAT
  • Emotional Support Animals

Module 6: Disability and AAT

  • Neurodivergence
  • Conditions Treated with AAT
  • Autism
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hyperlexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • ADHD
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Socializing for Autistic Patients
  • Learning
  • Case Study: ADHD

Module 7: AAT and children

  • Challenge #1: Dependency
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #2: Allergies
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #3: Animal Responses
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #4: Lack of Comfort
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #5: Unintentional Physical Interaction
  • Solutions:
  • The Role of Family Pets
  • Benefits for Children
  • Case Study 1: Pain Relief
  • Case Study 2: Stress in the Hospital
  • Case Study 3: Pervasive Development Disorders

Module 8: Caring for Therapy Animals

  • The welfare of Therapy Animals
  • Neutral Colors
  • Toys
  • Stuffed Toys
  • Squeaky Toys
  • Latex Toys
  • Toys Containing Phthalates
  • Tug Ropes
  • Edible Toys
  • Tennis Balls
  • Stress in Therapy Animals
  • Emergency Planning
  • Patient Safety
  • Question #1: Do You Have Allergies?
  • Question #2: Are You Afraid of Animals?
  • Question #3: Which Animal Would You Prefer?
  • Question #4: How Are You Feeling?
  • Course Summary
Requirements

Entry requirements

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Windows:

Microsoft Windows XP, or laterModern and up to date Browser (Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

MAC/iOS

OSX/iOS 6 or laterModern and up to date Browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

All systems

Internet bandwidth of 1Mb or fasterFlash player or a browser with HTML5 video capabilities(Currently Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

Students will also need access the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Requirements

Entry requirements:

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.


Minimum education:

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.


Device requirements:

Students will need access to a computer/any device and the internet.

FAQS

1.  Who are Courses For Success?

Courses For Success is a course platform that started in 2008
with 5 courses, since then we have grown to over 10,000 online courses.

Our courses span across the following categories:

•Animal    

•Beauty    

•Business    

•Health & Fitness     

•Finance

•Lifestyle    

•IT & Software    

•Personal Development

•Teaching & Academics

2.  Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Yes, we have a 7-day money-back refund guarantee. Just send us an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com with the subject Courses For Success Refund so we can accommodate your request.

3.  What is the FREE Personal Success Training Program?

The Personal Success Training Program
was developed by Courses For Success to help our customers achieve
success. Currently, we are offering this program for FREE with every
course or bundle purchase this month. This is a limited time offer!

4.  Are there any requirements to study this course?

No,
anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter
is encouraged to take our course. There are no entry requirements to
take this course.

5.  Do I require to have finished high school to complete this course?

No,
you do not require a High School Diploma or to have finished school to
study this course, this course is open to anyone who would like to take
this course.

6.  What if English is not my first language?

This
course is provided in English, however, due to the digital nature of
our training, you can take your time studying the material and make use
of tools such as google translate and Grammarly.

7.  Is this course online or conducted in person?

All our courses are accessible online on any device. You may complete them at your own pace and at your own time.

8.  How do I receive my course?

After
you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email
and tax receipt. You will also receive an email containing your course
login details (username and password), as well as instructions on how to
access and log in to your course via the internet with any device,
please check your junk/spam folder in the event that you do not receive
the email.

9.  When does this course start?

Providing
you have internet access you can start this course whenever you like,
just go to the login page and insert your username and password and you
can access the online material.

10.  What is online learning like?

Online learning is easy, if not easier than a traditional academic situation.
By studying an online course, the usual boundaries caused by location and time constraints are eliminated, meaning you are free to study where and when you want at your own pace.

Of course, you will need to be able to self-manage your time and be organized, but with our help, you’ll soon find yourself settling into a comfortable rhythm of study.

11.  What computer skills do I need for my course?

You
don't need to be a computer expert to succeed with our online training,
but you should be comfortable typing, using the internet and be capable
of using common software (such as Microsoft word).

12.  How long will you have access to the online course?

The majority of our courses have unlimited lifetime access, meaning you can access this course whenever you want.

Please also check the course summary, as a small selection of courses have limited access.

13.  How long will my course take?

Course duration, is listed under Course Summary

14.  Do I need to buy textbooks?

All the required material for your course is included in the online system, you do not need to buy anything else.

15.  Is the course interactive?

Yes, all our courses are interactive.

16.  Is there an assessment or exam?

Yes,
you will be required to complete a multiple-choice test online at the
end of your course, you can do this test as many times as you require.

17.  What type of certificate will I receive?

You
will receive a Certificate of Completion that is applicable worldwide,
which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share
the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers and employers.
Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles
and job applications.

Wendy Sue Hunt - 5 STAR REVIEW
"If you are considering taking any “Courses for Success”, I would highly recommend it. I have always been a firm believer it’s important to always sharpen your skills. You are never too old to learn more. I found the courses very helpful, interesting and easy to understand.
The term “Courses for Success” helped me in my current position to succeed. After completing the courses, I gave my manager the completion certificates. Recently I received a promotion too."

Valencia Marie Aviles - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I
had a very good experience with my course. It has helped me to get
multiple jobs and prepared me for almost everything I would need to
know. The course was very informative and easy to understand and broken
up perfectly to be done in a short amount of time while still learning a
good amount! I would recommend Courses for Success to anyone trying to
get abs certifications for job advancements, it is well worth it!"

ELENA GRIFFIN - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I have absolutely enjoyed the materials from Courses for Success. The materials are easy to understand which makes learning enjoyable. Courses for Success have great topics of interest which make you come back for
more.
Thank you Courses for Success for being part of my learning journey and making education affordable!"

Our
completion certificates are very valuable and will help you progress in
your work environment and show employers how committed you are to learn
new skills, you might even get a promotion.

18.  Will this course be credited by universities?

No, it is not equivalent to a college or university credit.

19.  Am I guaranteed to get a job with this certificate?

This course will give you the skills you need to help you obtain employment, but it’s up to you if you get the job or not.

20.  How will this course assist me with my career?

Studying
and completing this course will show employers that you have the
knowledge in this field, additionally you will gain more confidence in
this area of expertise.

21.  How long is the certificate valid for?

The Certificates are valid for life and do not need renewing. 

22.  Can I take more than one course at a time?

Courses
are studied online at your own pace and you are free to study as many
or as few courses as you wish, we also offer online course bundles that
allow you to save on additional courses so that you may get all the
topics related to your training goals in one go.

23.  What are the Payment Methods available? Is there a payment plan?

We accept payments via PayPal, Credit Card and Bank Transfer.

Payment Plans: We have partnered with Partial.ly, to offer our own in house payment plan. Everyone is Pre-Approved, providing the initial deposit is paid in full.

To pay via bank transfer contact us info@coursesforsuccess.com

24.  Can I purchase for multiple people?

Yes, you can do this by purchasing individually via website or send us a request via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

25.  Can I request for an invoice before purchase?

Yes, you can request for an invoice via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

26.  Purchase for a gift?

Yes, you can purchase this course as a gift, simply send an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com, with the course details and we can accommodate this.

27.  Can I create my own course bundle?

Yes,
you can customize your own bundle. Please send us the complete list
with the exact course link of the courses you'd like to bundle up via
email info@coursesforsuccess.com and we will create them for you. *Each course access, time of completion and certification varies depending on the course type.

28.  How will I contact Courses For Success if I have any questions?

You can contact our support team, at any time through live chat on our website, or email at info@coursesforsuccess.com, or by calling one of our phone numbers depending on which country you are in.  

Free Personal Success Training Course

The Personal Success Training Program Helps You Stay Focused To Achieve Your Goals!

This month, we are providing it for Free with all Course Purchases, as a special offer!

Benefits:

• How to layout a Success Plan.

• Get where you want to be in life.

• How to unclutter your mind to succeed.

• Achieve your dreams using your imagination.

• How to have faith in yourself.

Features:

• Life time access

• Complement your individual course purchase.

• Click here Personal Success Training Program to see thousands of positive reviews,

Hurry - offer - ends this month!

Course Bundles

Looking for specific training for yourself or employees. Choose from our Course Bundles below or build you own Bundle, by adding more courses to your cart. Choose different courses or the same course for multiple staff members and receive volume discounts at checkout.

Course Bundles

SALE ENDS 28 MARCH

Animal Assisted Therapy Online Certificate Course

Save 50% Save 50%
Original price USD $399
Original price $399 - Original price $399
Original price USD $399
Current price USD $199
USD $199 - USD $199
Current price USD $199

"I think this course is very educational and contains information that I learnt about animals and how therapeutic animals can be for humans with all types of special needs." - Natalija P. Verified Buyer.

Grow your expertise in animal-assisted therapy with our comprehensive online certificate course. Unlock the potential of AAA and AAT to improve human wellbeing and gain an understanding of the many benefits these therapies provide. Experience an engaging and approachable learning environment and develop your valuable knowledge today!

Bundle Up & Save - Learn More and Save More when you Upgrade to one of our Course Bundles below - Save Up To 98%

Request Your FREE Course Info-Pack Now!

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
7-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Course Summary

  • Delivery: Online
  • Access: Unlimited Lifetime
  • Time: Study at your own pace
  • Duration:20 Hours
  • Assessments: Yes
  • Qualification: Certificate
About This Course

Enjoy these Benefits and Discover this Popular but Little-Known Animal Assisted Therapy!

  • Get a professional understanding of how animals can positively affect our mental, physical, and psychological health
  • Learn what makes dogs the perfect dog assistants
  • Know the long-term benefits of animal-assisted therapy
  • Learn what makes animal-assisted therapy special from other types of therapies
  • Medical conditions and practical applications
  • The benefits of having pets in your family, children, and pets
  •  Proper care of your therapy animals
  • Common questions about using animals for therapy answered

Study Animal Assisted Therapy Certification and Discover How Animals Make Great Therapists

Our Animal Assisted Therapy Online Course will discuss Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal-Assisted Therapies (AAT). The course will provide information on the effects of animals on human mental, physical, and psychological health.

Even though the positions are sometimes interchangeable, “Animal Assistants” and “Therapy Animals” serve different purposes for humans. While explaining what specific animals may give in terms of aid, the Animal Assisted Therapy Course discusses these differences and how they overlap.

For a variety of causes and conditions, students will learn that animals make excellent therapists. In addition, you will understand how they can help with mental health difficulties and how they develop.

People have specific requirements that must be addressed in order for them to be happy and well. The lack of these needs can lead to mental illness, which can lead to physical illness. In this course, we address the scientific discoveries that link mental health to the presence of animals, as well as the specific things that animals can do to improve our mental and physical health.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

      Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources

      Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)

      Be a self-directed learner

      Possess sound language and literacy skills

Why You Need This Animal Assisted Therapy Course

Are you a mental health professional looking to integrate animal-assisted therapy into your practice? Enroll in the Animal Assisted Therapy Course, available online through Courses for Success!

In this course, you will learn how animals make great therapists and the applications of animal-assisted therapies (AAT) in physical, psychological, and social interventions. You will understand the history, ethical considerations, and welfare of therapy animals.

The course focuses on developing treatment plans and interventions encompassing animal partners and provides additional insight into the behavior and training of animals. You will discover how to integrate animal assistants into art therapy, sound therapy, play therapy, and other types of therapy.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Course offers a comprehensive guide for understanding animal language and body language and how they impact mental health. You will explore the difference between canine behavior and equine-assisted activities and interventions. You will also learn about training considerations for service and therapy dogs.

This online certificate program is designed to provide a range of professionals, including social workers, counselors, and clinicians, with a therapist certification in animal-assisted therapy.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Course is available completely online, so you can learn at your own pace and receive continuing education for your professional development. The course provides detailed course materials, and the course content is easy to understand, providing a comprehensive and practical overview of AAT.

Through this course, you will gain in-depth knowledge that will help you offer therapeutic interventions that incorporate animals, legally and ethically. Taking this therapy certification course will provide you with the skills to build lasting relationships with clients and animals, and you will receive invaluable feedback, leading to a fulfilling career.

Quick Course Facts
  1. Course content is structured for easy comprehension

  2. Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Animal Assisted Therapy Certification

  3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device

  4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace

  5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

Animal Assisted Therapy Certification Outline

Module 1: Introduction

Purpose of AAT

AAT, or animal-assisted therapy, is a therapy that primarily focuses on animal-human interactions. The therapy can stand alone or be used with traditional therapeutic methods to help the client relax.

Animal-Assisted Activity

      It tends to be introduced to a group of people to enhance the quality of life

      Not as structured or stringent as AAT

      Goals are not outlined with each visit

Animal-Assisted Therapy:

      Much more structured and goal-oriented

      It tends to be integrated within a planned treatment process

      Carried out by a qualified professional who knows how to handle the animals and plan the therapy correctly

Knowledge Check

Everyone grooms the dog, and it is merely there to provide momentary anxiety relief; the timeline for when it happens is not set, and it happens once a month. On the other hand, the second option looks to someone with a disability as a medical prescription. The inclusion of an animal in the therapeutic process looks to be quite regimented and goal-oriented, with weekly progress measurements. This scenario appears to be far more formal and permanent than the last one. Therefore, it must be AAT.

Types of Animals

Due to their amiable demeanor, widespread popularity, and empathic features, dogs appear to be the most excellent option of AAT animals overall. A dog is a jack-of-all-trades for all AAT purposes. Therefore, if you are unsure which animal to prescribe for your client, a dog is the most excellent option.

Therapist Qualifications

It would help if you understood that AAT is a systematic therapy that can be employed independently or as part of a larger medical strategy. It is not as informal or undocumented as AAA, and it does not have a single purpose or format.

Specializations

Some animal-assisted therapists specialize in a particular species of animal. Equine-Assisted Therapy, for example, is a subsection of this category that focuses on the use of horses.

Module 2: AAT and Mental Health

In the modern world, seeking therapy in any form has long been a taboo matter. You effectively acknowledge a problem by choosing to counsel, which some individuals find extremely difficult to do.

Long-Term Effect

It lasts a long time. According to studies, the treatment results remain much more extended than trying to cure things on your own. This is since much of the work is completed after the therapy has ended.

Openness

You can get everything out in the open during therapy. Sorting things out on your own, especially when it comes to psychological diseases, might leave a lot of prior trauma and buried sentiments unaffected.

Sense of Identity

You automatically begin to assume a new identity as you adopt new habits. Your identity is fundamentally defined by who you are and, more importantly, how you think. According to studies, persons who have gone through therapy have a different perspective on other people. This mental adjustment could help them deal with their issues, particularly their anger and anxiety.

Self-Confidence

Outside of the sessions, therapy exists. When you do things yourself, you might get rid of all of the negative emotions and sentiments you are experiencing right now.

Sharing

A shared difficulty is a problem halved. This is the most apparent advantage of available therapy, yet it is also underappreciated. Many of us go through life not wanting to share our concerns and problems with the people we care about because we do not want to burden them. Instead, we keep everything bottled up, trying to deal with it on our own.

Growing Together

The best part about therapy-based skills is that anyone can learn them. You can describe the tactics and mechanisms you learn in those sessions to your closest friends and family. They then tell their friends, who tell their friends, and so on. Therapy should not be viewed as a process that benefits the individual and those around them.

Applications of AAT

We have gone through the advantages of available therapy; now it is time to return to AAT and why someone would require it. As previously stated, AAT is a very versatile therapy format that may address a wide range of disorders and concerns.

Module 3: Stress and AAT

This section will go over the basics of stress, why it is terrible for you, and how AAT has been proved to help clients cope with stress. The fight-or-flight response is a sophisticated organism’s evolutionary response to assist them to respond to a threat. Consider someone going through a dense jungle.

How exactly does AAT reduce stress levels?

A rush of endorphins is always felt when people create a bond with an animal, whether through petting or simply caring for them. Petting animals, in particular, can release oxytocin. This hormone is associated with the warm, fuzzy sensation you experience after completing a satisfying task. It has been demonstrated to control our perception of the world and our ability to trust and process pleasant memories.

Module 4: Physical Applications of AAT

AAT’s potential to relieve stress and anxiety is quite restricted; as previously stated, AAT alone will not alleviate chronic stress. Instead, it works in conjunction with more traditional therapeutic methods to get the greatest possible outcome for the client.

Cardiovascular Health

Clients have a lesser chance of heart disease and cardiac arrest when their heart rate and blood pressure are constantly reduced.

Chronic and Acute Pain

Animals can enhance mood, which can lead to the release of pain-relieving chemicals. Bonding with animals has been shown in several studies to relieve stress and tension.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is caused by electrical messages being relayed through the brain. These messages build up, resulting in seizures, convulsions, and, in rare circumstances, complete brain shutdown. AAT can stop the accumulation of electrical activity in a client’s brain because of its strong relaxing effects. Some dogs have even been trained to assist epileptic patients during seizures.

Physical Rehabilitation

AAT dramatically shortened the healing period of women who had spine surgery, according to research. They were also excited to participate due to the presence of the animals.

Improvement of Motor Skills

AAT is marginally better at improving fine motor abilities than traditional therapy methods, according to studies. AAT is beneficial for the recovery of physical problems, but it also allows for significant improvements in the client’s motivation.

Assistance in Daily Life

Visual impairment is another physical problem that AAT animals can help with. This is true for both partial and complete blindness and is typically addressed with the assistance of a guide dog. The owner can successfully navigate their surroundings without danger of damage or getting lost by giving the dog verbal/hand signs during the voyage.

Dual-Purpose Dogs

A dual-purpose dog may be required if the owner has multiple disabilities. A dual-purpose dog, by definition, is a service animal that assists persons with vision impairments and one other physical disability.

Case Study

In the absence of sensory input, a young woman with limited hearing and vision struggled to complete fundamental activities. Her ability to function on her own was severely hampered. Her life, however, was turned upside down when she received a dual-purpose service dog. She is alerted to sounds such as doorbells and sirens by her dog. This insight aided the young woman in becoming more self-sufficient and living alone.

Therapy Dog Roles

Dogs have always been a popular choice for cognitive and physical services, and they have been assisting humans with problems since 1927. Therapy dogs have been divided into three groups based on the issue they help treat, thanks to their adaptability and overall helpfulness.

Module 5: Emotional Applications of AAT

In this chapter, we will look at the emotional aspect of AAT and how repeated sessions can change a client’s well-being and worldview.

Emotions in Animal and Human Development

To completely comprehend how powerful AAT is on an emotional level, we must first answer the question, “What are emotions, and how do they influence our lives?” Simply said, emotions are complex reactions to our environment and situations. The only things essential organisms could “feel” were a natural attraction to meals and mates, as well as a sensation of danger when confronted with a threat.

Emotions and AAT

On the other hand, AAT has been demonstrated to have an impact on our emotions, bringing them back into equilibrium. These feelings may only last a short time, but the client may learn to make them permanent with the help of various therapies.

Emotional Support Animals

If the animal has excellent potential for empathy and bonding, it may be specifically trained to provide emotional support. They are not designated “service animals” because the training requirements are not as stringent. They can, however, be just as vital in improving the well-being of individuals in need.

Module 6: Disability and AAT

Emotions are not the only factor that influences how individuals act and think. Learning capacity, attention span, sociability, thought repression, and vocalization is more complicated features that play a role in our identity.

Neurodivergence

Consider all of these neurological characteristics as a spectrum. So, for example, “low capacity for learning” is on one end of the range, while “high learning capacity” is on the other. Most of us will lie somewhere in the middle of these spectrums, with an average attention span, sociability, and learning capability. These people are referred described as “neurotypical.”

Conditions Treated with AAT

While AAT can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, certain illnesses have been demonstrated to benefit from it more than others.

Autism

Poor eye contact, a monotone voice, and an inability to notice social cues are all classic symptoms of this illness. Autistic people may have difficulty detecting nuance, humor, and irony in speech and take everything literally.

Dyslexia

This is a condition that impairs a person’s ability to read text. Their reading will be rigid and slow, and they will have difficulty spelling. This can be seen in their speech, as they may struggle to find the correct words or vocalize fluent sentences without pausing.

Dyscalculia

This is dyslexia’s numerical equivalent. Poor mental arithmetic, a poor sense of estimating, and a poor grasp of place value are symptoms of dyscalculia.

Epilepsy

Epileptic episodes are initiated by an overriding of electrical instructions conveyed throughout the brain, as previously stated. Seizures are a symptom of this. This is due, in part, to the numerous electrical impulses that overstimulate muscles.

Hyperlexia

This syndrome can cause children to have the above-average reading ability but poor communication skills. They could also have behavioral issues or difficulty grasping essential topics. Surprisingly, they may be able to pick up on certain concepts rapidly. They are thought to be able to do this by repeating the knowledge until it becomes second nature. That is why they excel at reading: it is a piece of information that they can readily repeat in their heads.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a cognitive-motor disorder that presents itself as general clumsiness. Specific symptoms include:

      Poor hand-eye coordination

      Trouble learning new things

      An abnormal posture, gait, or way of moving

      Difficulty writing or using fine motor skills

ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a term used to describe a condition with much energy. This is a typical problem in children that causes them to lose focus. As a result, they become more eager and energized. This makes learning particularly difficult for them, and it may impact their ability to keep down a job later in life.

Tourette’s Syndrome

With this disease, thought suppression is exceedingly low, resulting in a high level of vocalization. Low repression affects motor abilities, resulting in twitching, jerking, and vocal outbursts called “tics.”

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a comprehensive treatment that tries to improve patients’ ability to do daily tasks. Horseback riding, for example, is an excellent natural remedy for people who have balance concerns. The patient will discuss with the therapist all of the obstacles they confront in life, whether physical or cognitive, in the first few sessions. The exercises can be practised when the patient’s goals have been defined.

Socializing for Autistic Patients

Typical therapy formats for autistic children may result in prolonged development from standard therapy formats. This is due to their difficulty in effectively expressing their thoughts and tendency to become apprehensive when confronted with unexpected situations.

Learning

Many neurodivergent disabilities have an impact on learning. Dyscalculia is a mental arithmetic disorder. Reading and spelling are both affected by dyslexia. Hyperlexia impairs one’s capacity to comprehend specific topics. ADHD affects attention, which makes it difficult to retain knowledge.

Case Study: ADHD

Their grades have suffered due to their condition, and they believe they have yet to reach their full potential due to their hyperactivity and short attention span. Teenagers with ADHD have been prescribed a long treatment block of occupational therapy and AAT as part of a program to help them.

Module 7: AAT and children

It is your obligation as an animal-assisted therapist to make the necessary adjustments for each session. The alterations you make will be determined mainly by the patient’s needs (e.g., their disability/disorder, allergies, and requests). You may need to make more adjustments than average in some circumstances. FOR EXAMPLE, an AAT session with children presents several unique obstacles, necessitating several changes to the usual approach.

Challenge #1: Dependency

Problem: When AAT is used alongside other therapies, the youngster may become overly reliant on the animal. The animal may not be as receptive, friendly, or eager if not present during the other therapies.

Solutions:

You must make sure that the other therapies are enjoyable and inspirational in their own right. If the youngster solely looks forward to the AAT, the other therapies are not stimulating enough. Attempt to include the animal in all other treatments if the child is undergoing occupational therapy, including the animal in those sessions. If the child is receptive and cooperative during the other therapies, reward them with a brief AAT session.

Challenge #2: Allergies

Problem: The youngster may be allergic to some animals or have a high risk of a reaction depending on their medical history.

Solutions:

Try a skin prick test if you are still unsure whether a youngster is allergic to a specific animal. A doctor will use a needle to prick the child’s skin for some test allergens to enter.

Challenge #3: Animal Responses

Problem: Improper handling may cause the animal to get distressed. This could cause the session to be disrupted or the animal to be harmed.

Solutions:

Approach the animal with caution if it shows signs of distress while being petted. They will not be as stressed as a result of the sudden moves. In a calm and composed manner, move the animal away from the child. It is good to teach the youngster basic stroking techniques again if the stress was caused by poor touching.

Challenge #4: Lack of Comfort

Problem: The child may be unfamiliar with animals in general, which could lead to distress.

Solutions:

This activity aims to provide the youngster with an animal that they enjoy spending time with and is also familiar with. If the child becomes upset when the animal is presented, calm down the youngster and remove the animal calmly. Reopen your animal portfolio and ask them to choose another alternative that will not stress them out.

Challenge #5: Unintentional Physical Interaction

Problem: The child may be unintentionally harmed by the animal due to size differences. For example, a dog may lean on a child, which could be frightening to some patients.

Solutions:

While the child or parent has the last say, you must consider whether that option is acceptable for the child’s size and age. Using larger animals such as golden retrievers and horses with a very young child may be a terrible choice. If your youngster is not interested in a dog, consider a cat, tortoise, or rabbit instead. Almost all animals are suitable for usage at older ages.

The Role of Family Pets

Therapists may try to incorporate existing family pets into therapy in some circumstances. Bringing a dog to a session is one example. This is especially beneficial for youngsters who have trouble communicating, regulating their conduct, or controlling their emotions. Parents can use pets to demonstrate concepts such as attachment and boundaries.

Benefits for Children

When AAT is used with youngsters, it tends to have the most impact. This is not to say that AAT will not assist adults, but it appears that children place a higher priority on animal-human connections than other age groups. Because many of your patients will be children, you must understand what AAT can and cannot do for them. Looking at scientific research is the most powerful approach to grasp this.

Case Study 1: Pain Relief

Researchers highlighted that very few studies on the benefits of AAT on pain alleviation had been conducted. To address this, they conducted a study including 57 children ranging in age from 3 to 17. AAT was used on 18 of the 57 people. The remaining 39 served as the control group, undergoing no AAT.

Case Study 2: Stress in the Hospital

When children are hospitalized, they often experience high amounts of stress, according to the researchers. They anticipated that AAT/AAA could be a helpful strategy for keeping youngsters calm and collected during their hospital stay.

Case Study 3: Pervasive Development Disorders

The researchers intended to see how AAT affected neurodivergent children with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorders). A lack of social competence is a defining feature of many illnesses.

Module 8: Caring for Therapy Animals

We have mainly concentrated on the uses and benefits of AAT in this course. We have looked at how it affects a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being, all of which work together to improve a patient’s health. We have discussed the various types of AAT animals and why dogs are the most common service animals. In light of this, we looked into the functions of dual-purpose canines and how they may assist persons with multiple disabilities.

The welfare of Therapy Animals

You are probably reading this course because you wish to work as an animal-assisted therapist. So it seems only natural that we concentrate on what to expect during the sessions and what strategies we can use to ensure that the patient has the most significant possible experience.

Neutral Colors

Providing a neutral environment for your therapy animal is one method to care for them. They will not be stressed or anxious when they are introduced to the patient this way. Make sure the room is not too bright and has a neutral colour scheme. To keep the animal from becoming upset or distracted, use plain pastel hues. Posters and photographs may be displayed on the walls, but make sure they do not attract the animal’s attention.

Toys

If your therapy program includes providing toys for the animal throughout the room, do so. The patient might make use of these to aid in the bonding process.

Stuffed Toys

Toys with any kind of stuffing are a terrible idea since the dog can simply chew them open and devour the contents. Poly-Fil is particularly hazardous since some dog breeds are unable to digest it safely. This might cause intestinal difficulties in the animal, which can occasionally be fatal.

Squeaky Toys

Any toy with a squeaker is risky for your dog since it may try to remove the squeaker from the inside. If they succeed, they may consume the squeaker, posing a severe choking hazard. The patient may be distressed by squeaks and other noises. Make sure your therapy room exclusively contains silent toys.

Latex Toys

Although this is not usually a problem, it is recommended to stay away from them just in case. Latex can cause allergic responses in dogs, just as it can in humans. If they have lately played with a latex toy, look for blisters, rashes, and hair loss. If you do, there is a significant possibility that your pet is allergic to something.

Toys Containing Phthalates

Vinyl has a particular odor due to phthalates, which are very hazardous chemicals. They can cause significant liver and kidney damage if breathed. If your dog chews on these toys, the gases released by the toy may be inhaled. If done over a lengthy period, your animal’s health may be jeopardized.

Tug Ropes

Tug ropes may appear to be harmless, but they can cause significant damage to a dog’s front and side teeth. Dogs’ teeth can also become clogged with strings and bits. Playing with these toys may cause dogs to display more naturally aggressive body language. This could agitate the patient or make them scared of the dog.

Edible Toys

Toys produced from edible materials, such as rawhide, could distract a therapy dog. Even though therapy dogs are well-trained, the presence of food may cause them to abandon their training and become possessive of the food item.

Tennis Balls

This is one of the most frequent dog toys. However, it poses a choking threat, especially for large dogs. Smaller dogs do not have this difficulty. Thus, if all of your dogs are little, you can use tennis balls (or anything similar).

Stress in Therapy Animals

Keeping your calm and collected is something you will have to work on during the lesson. If you appear relaxed, the patient will most likely do the same. When introducing an animal, this is especially true. The animal is less likely to feel stressed as a result of your calm demeanour and actions.

Emergency Planning

If you are using therapy animals in your practice, you should have an emergency plan in place. This could entail establishing a working connection with a nearby veterinarian facility or arranging for animals to be transported for care on short notice.

Patient Safety

As previously said, both the patient and the animal are treated equally. We have talked about ensuring the therapy animal’s well-being, such as picking the correct toys and spotting signals of unhappiness or pain.

Question #1: Do You Have Allergies?

This is a must-ask question before the session. You would be shocked at how many people are allergic to proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, and urine, some of whom are unaware of it. Expect runny noses, congestion, and rash formation if you have these allergies, which are pretty similar to hay fever. The patient may have a severe allergic reaction to the animal and experience anaphylactic shock in some cases.

Question #2: Are You Afraid of Animals?

Patients may be completely unaware of their fears. For example, some young children may have never seen an animal up close. Beginning with a strong barrier can assist children in determining whether or not they are fearful. Allowing a child to meet a dog through a gate, for example, can be reassuring.

Question #3: Which Animal Would You Prefer?

As we discussed in a previous lesson, giving the patient a choice helps them have the best therapeutic experience possible. This question is not necessary if you only have one therapy animal. If you have more than one, make sure the patient has a say in which one they want.

Question #4: How Are You Feeling?

You might wish to track how well the therapy is working for your patient. A simple question asking participants to rate their stress levels before and after the session will provide excellent contrast. You can confidently conclude that AAT has had some short-term advantages on the patient if their stress levels have decreased. You may ask them a series of scaled questions about their overall pleasure, how much pain they are in, or how sad they are.

Course Summary

You have completed the Animal Assisted Therapy course. We hope you gained much knowledge from each unit and are now ready to dive into the realm of AAT. Because we have covered so much material, it may seem daunting at first.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate.

This Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.

Show More Hide
Units of Study

Module 1: Introduction

  • Purpose of AAT
  • Animal-Assisted Activity
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy
  • Knowledge Check
  • Types of Animals
  • Therapist Qualifications
  • Specializations

Module 2: AAT and Mental Health

  • Long-Term Effect
  • Openness
  • Sense of Identity
  • Self-Confidence
  • Sharing
  • Growing Together
  • Applications of AAT

Module 3: Stress and AAT

  • How exactly does AAT reduce stress levels?

Module 4: Physical Applications of AAT

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Chronic and Acute Pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Improvement of Motor Skills
  • Assistance in Daily Life
  • Dual-Purpose Dogs
  • Case Study
  • Therapy Dog Roles

Module 5: Emotional Applications of AAT

  • Emotions in Animal and Human Development
  • Emotions and AAT
  • Emotional Support Animals

Module 6: Disability and AAT

  • Neurodivergence
  • Conditions Treated with AAT
  • Autism
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hyperlexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • ADHD
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Socializing for Autistic Patients
  • Learning
  • Case Study: ADHD

Module 7: AAT and children

  • Challenge #1: Dependency
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #2: Allergies
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #3: Animal Responses
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #4: Lack of Comfort
  • Solutions:
  • Challenge #5: Unintentional Physical Interaction
  • Solutions:
  • The Role of Family Pets
  • Benefits for Children
  • Case Study 1: Pain Relief
  • Case Study 2: Stress in the Hospital
  • Case Study 3: Pervasive Development Disorders

Module 8: Caring for Therapy Animals

  • The welfare of Therapy Animals
  • Neutral Colors
  • Toys
  • Stuffed Toys
  • Squeaky Toys
  • Latex Toys
  • Toys Containing Phthalates
  • Tug Ropes
  • Edible Toys
  • Tennis Balls
  • Stress in Therapy Animals
  • Emergency Planning
  • Patient Safety
  • Question #1: Do You Have Allergies?
  • Question #2: Are You Afraid of Animals?
  • Question #3: Which Animal Would You Prefer?
  • Question #4: How Are You Feeling?
  • Course Summary
Requirements

Entry requirements

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Windows:

Microsoft Windows XP, or laterModern and up to date Browser (Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

MAC/iOS

OSX/iOS 6 or laterModern and up to date Browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

All systems

Internet bandwidth of 1Mb or fasterFlash player or a browser with HTML5 video capabilities(Currently Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

Students will also need access the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Requirements

Entry requirements:

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.


Minimum education:

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.


Device requirements:

Students will need access to a computer/any device and the internet.

FAQS

1.  Who are Courses For Success?

Courses For Success is a course platform that started in 2008
with 5 courses, since then we have grown to over 10,000 online courses.

Our courses span across the following categories:

•Animal    

•Beauty    

•Business    

•Health & Fitness     

•Finance

•Lifestyle    

•IT & Software    

•Personal Development

•Teaching & Academics

2.  Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Yes, we have a 7-day money-back refund guarantee. Just send us an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com with the subject Courses For Success Refund so we can accommodate your request.

3.  What is the FREE Personal Success Training Program?

The Personal Success Training Program
was developed by Courses For Success to help our customers achieve
success. Currently, we are offering this program for FREE with every
course or bundle purchase this month. This is a limited time offer!

4.  Are there any requirements to study this course?

No,
anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter
is encouraged to take our course. There are no entry requirements to
take this course.

5.  Do I require to have finished high school to complete this course?

No,
you do not require a High School Diploma or to have finished school to
study this course, this course is open to anyone who would like to take
this course.

6.  What if English is not my first language?

This
course is provided in English, however, due to the digital nature of
our training, you can take your time studying the material and make use
of tools such as google translate and Grammarly.

7.  Is this course online or conducted in person?

All our courses are accessible online on any device. You may complete them at your own pace and at your own time.

8.  How do I receive my course?

After
you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email
and tax receipt. You will also receive an email containing your course
login details (username and password), as well as instructions on how to
access and log in to your course via the internet with any device,
please check your junk/spam folder in the event that you do not receive
the email.

9.  When does this course start?

Providing
you have internet access you can start this course whenever you like,
just go to the login page and insert your username and password and you
can access the online material.

10.  What is online learning like?

Online learning is easy, if not easier than a traditional academic situation.
By studying an online course, the usual boundaries caused by location and time constraints are eliminated, meaning you are free to study where and when you want at your own pace.

Of course, you will need to be able to self-manage your time and be organized, but with our help, you’ll soon find yourself settling into a comfortable rhythm of study.

11.  What computer skills do I need for my course?

You
don't need to be a computer expert to succeed with our online training,
but you should be comfortable typing, using the internet and be capable
of using common software (such as Microsoft word).

12.  How long will you have access to the online course?

The majority of our courses have unlimited lifetime access, meaning you can access this course whenever you want.

Please also check the course summary, as a small selection of courses have limited access.

13.  How long will my course take?

Course duration, is listed under Course Summary

14.  Do I need to buy textbooks?

All the required material for your course is included in the online system, you do not need to buy anything else.

15.  Is the course interactive?

Yes, all our courses are interactive.

16.  Is there an assessment or exam?

Yes,
you will be required to complete a multiple-choice test online at the
end of your course, you can do this test as many times as you require.

17.  What type of certificate will I receive?

You
will receive a Certificate of Completion that is applicable worldwide,
which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share
the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers and employers.
Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles
and job applications.

Wendy Sue Hunt - 5 STAR REVIEW
"If you are considering taking any “Courses for Success”, I would highly recommend it. I have always been a firm believer it’s important to always sharpen your skills. You are never too old to learn more. I found the courses very helpful, interesting and easy to understand.
The term “Courses for Success” helped me in my current position to succeed. After completing the courses, I gave my manager the completion certificates. Recently I received a promotion too."

Valencia Marie Aviles - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I
had a very good experience with my course. It has helped me to get
multiple jobs and prepared me for almost everything I would need to
know. The course was very informative and easy to understand and broken
up perfectly to be done in a short amount of time while still learning a
good amount! I would recommend Courses for Success to anyone trying to
get abs certifications for job advancements, it is well worth it!"

ELENA GRIFFIN - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I have absolutely enjoyed the materials from Courses for Success. The materials are easy to understand which makes learning enjoyable. Courses for Success have great topics of interest which make you come back for
more.
Thank you Courses for Success for being part of my learning journey and making education affordable!"

Our
completion certificates are very valuable and will help you progress in
your work environment and show employers how committed you are to learn
new skills, you might even get a promotion.

18.  Will this course be credited by universities?

No, it is not equivalent to a college or university credit.

19.  Am I guaranteed to get a job with this certificate?

This course will give you the skills you need to help you obtain employment, but it’s up to you if you get the job or not.

20.  How will this course assist me with my career?

Studying
and completing this course will show employers that you have the
knowledge in this field, additionally you will gain more confidence in
this area of expertise.

21.  How long is the certificate valid for?

The Certificates are valid for life and do not need renewing. 

22.  Can I take more than one course at a time?

Courses
are studied online at your own pace and you are free to study as many
or as few courses as you wish, we also offer online course bundles that
allow you to save on additional courses so that you may get all the
topics related to your training goals in one go.

23.  What are the Payment Methods available? Is there a payment plan?

We accept payments via PayPal, Credit Card and Bank Transfer.

Payment Plans: We have partnered with Partial.ly, to offer our own in house payment plan. Everyone is Pre-Approved, providing the initial deposit is paid in full.

To pay via bank transfer contact us info@coursesforsuccess.com

24.  Can I purchase for multiple people?

Yes, you can do this by purchasing individually via website or send us a request via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

25.  Can I request for an invoice before purchase?

Yes, you can request for an invoice via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

26.  Purchase for a gift?

Yes, you can purchase this course as a gift, simply send an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com, with the course details and we can accommodate this.

27.  Can I create my own course bundle?

Yes,
you can customize your own bundle. Please send us the complete list
with the exact course link of the courses you'd like to bundle up via
email info@coursesforsuccess.com and we will create them for you. *Each course access, time of completion and certification varies depending on the course type.

28.  How will I contact Courses For Success if I have any questions?

You can contact our support team, at any time through live chat on our website, or email at info@coursesforsuccess.com, or by calling one of our phone numbers depending on which country you are in.  

Free Personal Success Training Course

The Personal Success Training Program Helps You Stay Focused To Achieve Your Goals!

This month, we are providing it for Free with all Course Purchases, as a special offer!

Benefits:

• How to layout a Success Plan.

• Get where you want to be in life.

• How to unclutter your mind to succeed.

• Achieve your dreams using your imagination.

• How to have faith in yourself.

Features:

• Life time access

• Complement your individual course purchase.

• Click here Personal Success Training Program to see thousands of positive reviews,

Hurry - offer - ends this month!

Course Bundles

Looking for specific training for yourself or employees. Choose from our Course Bundles below or build you own Bundle, by adding more courses to your cart. Choose different courses or the same course for multiple staff members and receive volume discounts at checkout.

Course Bundles