Animal-Assisted
Therapy Training
for Clinicians
Evidence-based, ethical training developed by a Registered Psychologist and Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional — built for mental health professionals who want to integrate animals into practice with confidence.
Training grounded in clinical experience — not just theory
This training was created by a Registered Psychologist and Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional with direct, hands-on experience integrating animals into therapeutic work. Every module reflects real clinical practice — the ethical decisions, the practical implementation, and the evidence base that supports it.
Whether you're a psychologist, counsellor, social worker, therapist, or other helping professional, this training gives you the knowledge and tools to approach animal-assisted work competently and ethically.
Two courses. One clear progression.
Start with Foundations to build your ethical and theoretical base, then advance to Applications to bring it into practice.
Foundations of Animal-Assisted Interventions
The essential starting point. Six modules covering the history, ethics, current research, and core principles of AAI — everything you need to practice responsibly and confidently.
Applications of Animal-Assisted Therapy
The advanced course. Practical implementation, therapeutic models, animal selection, program integration — and live instructor consultations at a reduced rate.
Foundations of Animal-Assisted Interventions
The essential starting point for any clinician wanting to incorporate animals into their work ethically and effectively. No prior experience required.
What you will learn
- The history and evolution of Animal-Assisted Interventions
- Current research and evidence base supporting AAI
- Ethical frameworks and professional standards for AAI practice
- Diverse uses of AAI across clinical populations and settings
- How to begin incorporating animals into your existing program or practice
- Safety protocols, documentation, and risk considerations
Who this course is for
- Registered Psychologists and Psychological Associates
- Registered Social Workers and Clinical Counsellors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Addiction Counsellors (CACCF pre-approved)
- Educators and program administrators in therapeutic settings
CCPA & CACCF Pre-Approved
- ✓ 6 comprehensive learning modules
- ✓ Video lectures and presentation slides
- ✓ Self-paced — no deadlines or time limits
- ✓ 24 pre-approved CE hours (CCPA & CACCF)
- ✓ Lifetime access to all content
- ✓ Prerequisite for Applications course
Applications of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Take your knowledge into practice. For clinicians who have completed Foundations and are ready to implement AAT in their clinical work.
What you will learn
- Types of animals involved in therapy and their specific clinical roles
- Programs and clinical settings where AAT can be effectively integrated
- How animals enhance the therapeutic process across populations
- Integrating AAT within specific therapeutic models (CBT, trauma-informed, etc.)
- Practical implementation strategies tailored to your specific practice
- Live video consultation with the instructor at a reduced rate
Who this course is for
- Clinicians who have completed the Foundations of AAI course
- Practitioners actively working with or planning to work with therapy animals
- Professionals seeking to deepen AAT competency and clinical application
- ✓ Comprehensive advanced curriculum
- ✓ Video lectures and presentation slides
- ✓ Live instructor consultation (reduced rate)
- ✓ Self-paced — no deadlines or time limits
- ✓ Lifetime access to all content
- ✓ Foundations course required first
Everything you need to know
Common questions about the training, accreditation, and enrolment.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) training teaches mental health professionals how to ethically and effectively incorporate animals into clinical practice. Wright Psych Solutions' training is designed for registered psychologists, counsellors, social workers, therapists, marriage and family therapists, addiction counsellors, and other helping professionals across Canada.
Yes. The Foundations of Animal-Assisted Interventions course is pre-approved by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) for 24 continuing education credit hours.
The Foundations of Animal-Assisted Interventions course is $500 CAD for lifetime access. The advanced Applications of Animal-Assisted Therapy course is $1,500 CAD for lifetime access. Both are one-time payments with no ongoing fees or time limits.
Yes. Completion of the Foundations course is a required prerequisite for the Applications course. This ensures all participants share a solid ethical and theoretical foundation before moving into advanced clinical application.
Yes. Both courses are fully online and completely self-paced with no deadlines or time limits. Once enrolled, you have lifetime access to all video lectures, slides, and course materials. The Applications course also includes live video consultations with the instructor at a reduced rate.
The training was developed by Lyndsay Wright, MC, a Registered Psychologist and Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional based in Alberta, Canada. Lyndsay has direct clinical experience integrating animals into therapeutic practice, and the courses are grounded in current research, ethical frameworks, and real-world application — not theory alone.
The training covers a diverse range of animals involved in therapeutic work, including dogs, horses, and other animals used across clinical and program settings. The Applications course provides an in-depth look at animal selection, suitability, and the specific roles different animals play in therapy.
Not sure where to start?
Reach out any time — Lyndsay responds to all enquiries within 2 business days.
Send a MessageResponse within 2 business days