Animal Assisted Therapy Course

This course examines the benefits of AAT, the way in which animals can provide social support, and the relationship between animals and humans.

You will understand the way in which an animal is chosen and trained, and the way in which a client is screened for suitability for AAT work. You will also learn how to devise programmes and how to use solution-focused therapy in order to help a wide range of people.

The course consists of eight units, covering areas such as strengthening, supporting and enabling people to live rewarding and healthy lives.

We send your first unit upon enrolment, so you can start whenever you want, and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

• Lesson One
• The History and Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
• History
• The Human-Animal Connection
• The Risks of Animal Assisted Therapy
• The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
• Lesson Two
• The Differences between Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy/ Social Support
• Animal Assisted Activities
• Animal Assisted Therapy
• Social Support through Animal Relationships
• The Benefits of Therapy Animals
• Lesson Three
• Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work
• Therapy Dogs
• Testing Puppies
• Testing Older Dogs
• Canine Culture
• Lesson Four
• Selecting an Animal for Therapy Work (Continued)/ Training an Animal for Therapy Work
• Therapy Cats
• Therapy Horses
• Small Therapy Animals
• Socialisation
• Touch Desensitisation
• Obedience Training
• Special Skills
• Lesson Five
• Client Screening/ Standards of Practice and Care/ AAT Counselling Techniques/ Designing and Implementing AAT Programmes
• Informed Consent
• Using AAT in the Counselling Session
• Rules for Guiding AAT Programmes
• Lesson Six
• Using Animals as Part of Solution-focused Therapy
• AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
• Problem-solving versus Solution-building
• The Goals of AAT and Solution-focused Therapy
• Purposeful Interventions
• Example of an AAT Intervention
• Lesson Seven
• Structuring an AAT Session/ AAT with Children
• Relational Techniques
• Animal Assisted Interventions
• Cultural Differences in Attitudes towards Animals
• Play Therapy
• School-based Programmes
• Lesson Eight
• Working with Older People and Special Populations/ Creating a Successful AAT Programme
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Elderly Clients
• Substance Abusers
• Victims of Violence
• Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
• General Welfare Considerations

On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Animal Assisted Therapy, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.

You will also receive the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3 when you complete this course**.

Quality Licence Scheme endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

** QLS registration fees included.

You do not need to have any additional qualifications before studying this course.

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress your career in the animal care sector, or better understand your own pet.

Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:

• Canine Behaviour Counselling (Theory) Course
• Companion Animal Bereavement Counselling Course
• Modern Theories of Canine Behaviour, Psychology and Training Course

If you are looking to set up your own business then you should consider obtaining insurance cover. Further information is available on request.

If you’d like to turn what you’ve learned into a career, or you’re wondering how best to apply it to your existing role, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am – 5pm.

Your first unit will be sent to you when you enrol, you can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

Your course materials are broken down into manageable units and will include helpful guidance and advice as well as additional reading lists and tools to signpost where you can source further information. We would encourage you to carry out wider reading and research on topics covered in the course materials.

Your learning materials have been developed by experts so studying is easy and enjoyable. At the end of each unit, there will be an assessment to complete and submit to your tutor.

Studying with the Animal Care College is a great place to start your learning journey and will give you a solid grounding in animal care subjects.

The Animal Care College’s courses promote the best care of pets at all stages of their development. We believe working and engaging with animals is a deeply rich and rewarding experience. Although the theory learning is important, being able to put your skills into practice beyond the theory is even more so. We are here to help you every step of the way as you build meaningful bonds with animals and gain in-depth knowledge that can only be obtained by working directly with animals. We can help advise on potential placements and work experience where necessary.

There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.

You can contact our support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at any point during your studies – to ask questions or for advice. Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback – helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.