AN 223 - Integration of Animals into Settings

3 Credits

The main goal of this course is to provide details of why and how we would bring animals into our offices, classrooms and facilities. You are educated how to do this properly in these three settings and challenged to design your up-and-coming AAI program’s documents (paperwork), evaluation methods, policies and procedures. You are expected to design your action plan and be prepared to outline the steps you need to take to begin to prepare for working in this field of AAI.

Prerequisites: LA 247  
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. describe the foundational framework of AAI’s - models and logistics.
2. discuss the importance of balance in AAI and how to maintain it.
3. explain when and when not to incorporate animals into interventions.
4. give examples of general ways animals can assist populations of people.
5. examine how to incorporate animals into Therapy Offices ethically and effectively.
6. identify how to incorporate animals into Educational Settings ethically and effectively.
7. describe how to incorporate animals into Rehabilitation Centres ethically and effective.
8. describe how to ethically and effectively work with Equines in AAI.
9. examine the many policies and procedures, documentation, and evaluations necessary for AAI programs.
10. design and explain your action plan and where you are going from here in AAI.

Fine, A. H. (2019). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Foundations and guidelines for animal assisted interventions (5^th ed.). Academic Press.

Optional Resource Materials:
Chandler, C. K. (2012). Animal assisted therapy in counseling (2^nd ed.). Routledge.

Conduct of Course:
This course includes online lecture, discussions via discussion boards, PowerPoint presentations with embedded audio clips and assignments to deliver the course content. Self-study using referenced texts and articles is recommended. Participation is necessary.

Because this course is on-line, attendance is demonstrated by keeping up with readings and assignments, participation in dialogue on the discussion board and completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.

In cases where illness impedes participation, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Content of Course:
 

1. Foundational Framework of AAI’s - Models and Logistics of Working Within Them - Diamond, Triangle models
2. Balancing our AAI Team with Environmental Factors
   1. Introducing the Kite Model of AAI
3. When and When Not to Incorporate Animals into Interventions
   1. General Ways Animals Can Assist
   2. Who Can We Help With AAI
4. Working with Animal in Office Settings
   1. Review the Definition of AAT
   2. Training Required for Animals to Work in Public (i.e., office settings)
   3. What Handlers are Required to Have for Working Animals (The Animal Care Bag)
   4. Proper Set up of an Office for AAT
   5. Appropriate Introduction of the Therapy Animal to Clients
   6. Ways to Incorporate Animals into Therapy/Counselling
   7. Introduction to Techniques and Intentions of AAT’s
   8. Directive and Non-Directive Canine Assisted Play Therapy
   9. Functional AAI Activities and Exercises for Issues and Diagnoses
   10. AAT and Theoretical Approaches
   11. Understanding the Applications of AAT Within Theoretical Approaches
   12. Assignments in Designing Treatment Plans/Session Outlines
   13. Documentation in AAT
   14. Evaluating AAT programs
   15. Policy Development in AAT
   16. Transitioning In and Out of AAT and Termination
5. Review of Definition of Animal Assisted Education (AAE)
   1. Current Status of Animals in Schools
   2. Researched Benefits for Students
   3. Integrating the Research Into Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments
   4. Getting the Educational Institution on Board
   5. Policies and Procedures in Educational Settings
   6. Caring For Classroom Pets
   7. Introducing the Wellness Animals
   8. Evaluation of AAE Programs
6. Overview of working with animals in facilities and rehabilitation centres
   1. Definition of AAA Reviewed
   2. Activities in AAA
   3. Training and certification required for animal
   4. Must Do’s for Animals in Facilities
   5. What Handlers are Required to Have for Working Animals (The Animal Care Bag)
   6. Appropriate Introduction of the Animal to Participants
   7. How to prepare to go on site / On site facility assessments
   8. Documentation and Evaluation Facility AAI’s
   9. Policy Development in Facility AAI’s
   10. Transitioning In and Out of AAA and Termination
7. Overview of working with equines to help people
   1. Safety considerations for people, facilities
   2. Variety of models and Terminology: EFC, EAGALA, etc.
   3. Research in Equine Assisted Interventions
   4. Choosing and Screening Equines
   5. Training and Certifying Equines
   6. EAI activities - list of resources to reference
8. Summary of Integrating Animals into Settings
   1. Examples of Who is Partnering with Animals in AAI
   2. Some Thoughts about Preparing to Offer AAI
   3. Checklist of Necessities for Incorporating Animals into Interventions