Mini Conference:
Therapy Animal Training and Preparation:
The Role of Trainers and Behaviorists
February 28, 2023
4:00 – 6:30 p.m. ET/1:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT
Virtual event on Zoom. Registration is required.
AAAIP members: No cost | Non-members: $29
 
This event will provide crucial information to animal trainers and behaviorists working with clients who want to train their pet to be a therapy animal. Key terminology will be discussed and suggestions from field leaders will be provided so that trainers can best educate and prepare clients for AAI.
How you’ll benefit:
• Learn key AAI terminology that differentiates the role of therapy animals vs. other working animals.
• Appreciate the kinds of training methodologies that are the best fit for therapy animals.
• Learn how to screen and prepare animals for a therapy animal role including important cues and
relationship building between handler and animal.
• Understand the process a person takes to become a registered therapy animal team.
• Become oriented to the resources available to a trainer/behaviorist through AAAIP.
Who Should Attend:
Animal trainers and behaviorists interested in assisting clients with therapy animal prep, and anyone interested in therapy animal training
Experts and leaders that you’ll hear from:
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 Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD
Executive Director, AAAIP, & National Director of AAI Advancement, Pet Partners
Session: Welcome & Understanding the Therapy Animal Evaluation
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 Steve Dale, CABC
Host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute
Session: Why Trainers Should Be Aware of AAI
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 Gina Caldwell, PhD
Animal behaviorist and adjunct professor
Session: Essential Information for Trainers Prepping Therapy Animals
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 David Pearsall
Insurance Counselor and Vice President, Business Insurers of the Carolinas
Session: Insurance for Trainers
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 Marty Becker, DVM
Founder and Chief Relationships Officer, Fear Free
Session: Appreciation for a Fear-Free Orientation
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 Mary Margaret Callahan
Chief Mission Officer, Pet Partners
Session: Protecting Therapy Animal Welfare
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 Lisa Tudor
Dog Behavior Specialist, specialty in animal-assisted interactions
Session: AAAIP’s Application to Trainers/Behaviorists
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 C. Annie Peters
President & CEO, Pet Partners, the leading nonprofit registering volunteer therapy animal teams
Session: Closing and Final Remarks
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Registration
The Therapy Animal Training and Preparation: The Role of Trainers and Behaviorists Mini Conference is open to AAAIP members and non-members.
AAAIP members: No cost
Non-members: $29
Save on AAAIP membership! Join AAAIP after the conference and your registration fee will be deducted from the first year of AAAIP membership dues (Digital and All-Access levels)—a $29 savings!
C-AAIS Credit Hours
The conference will provide 2.5 C-AAIS credit hours.
Event Questions
For questions about the event, please contact AAAIP.
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