Keeping the Balance: Prioritising Animal Welfare and Client Safety in AAI
In this magical world of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) we find ourselves in, the real wonder happens when the client and animals both feel safe, respected and supported. This month, we’re taking a deeper dive into what that means and how you can manage the dual responsibility of safeguarding vulnerable individuals whilst upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.
Why Safeguarding Matters in Animal-Assisted Work
Effective AAI is so much more than just bringing an animal into a room and hoping everyone starts to feel better. It requires a solid framework of knowledge, best practices and health and safety protocols, regardless of what sort of work you are doing. Schools helping pupils read to therapy dogs, ponies coming into care homes to support residents or an alternative provision like Elysian. Having a deep understanding of how to protect the service user and animals is paramount.
What to Expect in March at Elysian Academy
Don’t miss our upcoming webinar
Each month we host live webinars for you to join, learn and grow together. Hosted by our talented Training and Development Co-Ordinator David, you’ll get to connect directly with our team and ask our experts your questions.
In March, David is highlighting the importance of Caring for Clients and Creatures: Balancing Human and Animal Needs.
Event now expired - view upcoming webinars here
March Opinion Piece: Nick Lee
Our latest opinion piece is here to help! Written by Nick Lee, this deep dive explores the importance of Animal Welfare & Client Safety.
Nick challenges us to look past the basics.
What’s inside:
- The Welfare/Safety Loop: Why a happy animal is your best safety net.
- Beyond the Vet: The "emotional health" checklist.
- Risk Assessments with Teeth: How to safeguard vulnerable clients without compromising the animal’s dignity.
Online Animal-Assisted Intervention Courses to Help You Grow
We are passionate about spreading the good word, which is why we have built these CPD accredited online courses. Designed to support you on your AAI journey, to ensure you are leading impactful sessions.
Introduction to Licensing in Animal-Assisted Interventions.
Understanding animal licensing is essential for anyone working in animal-assisted interventions, welfare, or education. This course provides a clear, practical guide to why licensing exists, the benefits it brings to both animals and communities, and the legal responsibilities involved in animal care and ownership.
Understanding Animal Emotions and Consent in AAI
Animals are sentient beings with rich emotional lives and the ability to express preferences, comfort, and distress. This course explores the evolving field of animal emotions and consent, focusing on practical and ethical approaches to working with animals in therapeutic, educational, and everyday settings.
Matching Animals to Care Settings in AAI
This course provides practical guidance on selecting the right animals and roles for Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in diverse care environments. Participants will learn the distinctions between therapy animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), visiting animals, and service animals, while exploring species-specific considerations for safety, effectiveness, and suitability.
Question of the month: What's the difference between Animal-Assisted Therapy and Animal-Assisted Interventions?
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are the umbrella term for all structured programs that involve animals to support human health, education, or well-being. This includes therapy, education, and activity-based programs.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is one specific type of AAI. It is a clinical, goal‑directed therapeutic intervention led by a trained healthcare or human‑service professional, with progress formally documented as part of treatment.
