USU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Animal Therapy Seminar

The Utah State University School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a continuing education (CEU) event, More than Puppy Love: The Roles of Animals in Our Lives and in Therapy. The workshop is Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Agricultural Sciences Building on USU’s Logan campus.

Aubrey H. Fine, professor in the College of Education and Integrative Studies at California State Polytechnic University, will present the workshop that is open to professionals in veterinary medicine, psychology and social work for continuing education credits, and to anyone with an interest in animal-assisted therapy.

In addition to his academic work, Fine is a licensed psychologist who specializes in treating children with ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental disorders and in parent/child relations. While working with his patients, Fine noticed that they began to open up more when an animal was in the room. Now a well-known advocate for animal-assisted therapy (AAT), Fine has studied this field for over 30 years and has integrated AAT into his own research and practices.  

Animal-assisted therapy involves using animals as a form of treatment and is used in a variety of places, such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Through the seminar, participants will learn about the basics of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) and human-animal relationships. Some of the topics to be discussed include current AAI ethics and laws, steps for initiating and practicing AAI and the future of AAI.

Fine will also discuss the differences between therapy, service and emotional support animals. Individuals interested in getting their animals involved in AAT will receive the information needed to make this decision and fully understand whether their animal would be a good fit for a therapy program.

The workshop is open to veterinarians, medical and mental health professionals, educators, students and community members. Registration fees are $125 for professionals seeking continuing education credits and $25 for the non-credit option. Lunch is included with registration.

Four continuing education units are available to professionals through The National Association of Social Workers Utah Chapter, Utah Psychological Association and the Utah Veterinary Medicine Association.

To register for the workshop, contact sherrie.petty@usu.edu or register online at http:///tinyurl.com/USUpuppylove.

Contact: Sherrie Petty, sherrie.petty@usu.edu, 406-461-9483
Writer: Aubree Thomas, thomasaubree13@gmail.com