AAI 1 | The Human-Animal Bond and Competencies in Animal-Assisted Social Work Practice

Description

This course introduces participants to the fundamental principles and knowledge necessary to practice Animal Assisted Social Work interventions effectively and ethically.  It includes the theoretical foundations and current evidence base for services integrating the animal-human bond, relevant definitions of terms used to describe various aspects of the work, and emerging competencies within the field of Animal Assisted Services.  This course also explores social justice issues associated with animal assisted healing work, including the historical contributions of communities of color, and people with disabilities. The legal implications and standards of partnering with animals, risks, and administrative issues are also considered in this introductory course.

Objectives

1. Use the appropriate terms and definition with the practice of animal assisted interventions (AAI).
2. Describe the benefits of the human-animal bond to both humans and animals.
3. Identify the measures of competency associated with AAI.
4. Describe the fundamental value of safety for all associated with AAI.
5. Identify ethical considerations involving animals in AAI.
6. Identify an animal partner and document your application of course concepts to interactions with the animal.
7. Identify cultural and social justice issues associated with AAI methods and think critically   about ethical dilemmas.
8. Understand racism in the field of AAI and learn the historic role and work of BIPOC people in the field of AAI.
9. Identify three important legal considerations in the practice of AAI with horses and dogs.

Course Schedule

10-6-2025 6:30pm–7:30pm ET

10-20-2025 6:30pm–8:00pm ET

11-10-2025 6:30pm–7:30pm ET

Instructors

Laura Sanders

CE Approval Statement

The University of Michigan School of Social Work, provider #1212, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The University of Michigan School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 5/15/2023-5/15/2026. Social workers participating in this course will receive 9 general continuing education contact hours.

Continuing Education Offered

• 5.5 hours regular asynchronous online
• 3.5 hours regular live interactive online