Canine Therapy

Canine therapy is a specialised field that draws on animal behaviour science, psychology and therapeutic practice to harness the distinctive relationship between dogs and human beings in supportive and clinical settings. The field encompasses animal-assisted interventions, where trained dogs and their handlers work alongside healthcare, educational and social care professionals to support people experiencing mental health difficulties, physical rehabilitation, dementia, autism, trauma and other conditions. Understanding the science behind human-animal interaction, the welfare needs of the dog and the ethical frameworks that govern therapeutic practice are all central to this discipline.

Anglia Ruskin University offers this programme part time, which makes it well suited to students who are already working in healthcare, social care, animal welfare or related fields and wish to develop a specialist qualification alongside their existing commitments. The part-time structure allows you to integrate learning with practice, which is particularly valuable in a field where direct experience with dogs and with client groups is essential to professional development.

You will study animal behaviour and welfare, the psychology of the human-animal bond, models of animal-assisted intervention, risk assessment, ethical and safeguarding considerations, and the practical skills involved in selecting, training and working with therapy dogs. The programme is likely to develop your understanding of how canine therapy fits within broader therapeutic frameworks and how to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams alongside other health and care professionals.

Graduates of canine therapy programmes work in a variety of settings including NHS trusts, mental health services, schools and educational support programmes, care homes, hospices, prisons and community support organisations. Some graduates work as independent practitioners, establishing canine therapy services and working with individual clients or commissioning organisations. Others work within animal-assisted intervention charities or contribute to the growing evidence base for this field through research and training roles.

The qualification also builds on and extends careers in social work, occupational therapy, psychology and veterinary support for those already working in related professions.