The Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certificate (CAIS) was developed as an advanced program for those who want to take their animal-assisted intervention work with dogs to the next level. The focus of CAIS is on the dog-side of canine-assisted interventions - meaning dog behavior, training plans/methods, assessing for suitability in AAI, and so much more. It is a seven-month program comprised of a two-day Experiential Workshop in Denver, Colorado followed by three online courses. Currently, due to COVID-19 we have decided to give a virtual/hybrid option for all upcoming workshops. 

In addition to online learning we ask students to partner with a local community organization that will give them access to working with different canines on a weekly basis. Anywhere you can work with multiple dogs will fit the bill. Many of our students have volunteered with local animal shelters or rescue groups. Due to COVID-19, this component is not required. Students are able to work with their canine companion at home or with a close friend/neighbor. Groups of students progress through the program together in a cohort model to build camaraderie and create a shared learning environment. The CAIS curriculum is quite intensive and prepares students for working closely with canines by studying canine behavior, health, welfare, training, and how to assess if AAI is the best fit for individual canines.  
 

The first course, Canines 1, focuses on knowledge of and skills with canines. Topics covered will include: dog behavior, training methods, assessment and suitability, and more. The second course, Canines 2, switches gears and begins to incorporate the canine knowledge into animal-assisted interventions best practices. The topics in this course will include: intervention strategies, practice management, and welfare considerations. Finally, Canines 3 is a three-week course where students present their culmination projects virtually and receive peer and instructor feedback. 

CAIS is one of our more focused offerings at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, and has been designed specifically for professionals who have successfully completed one of our other animal-assisted intervention certificates (i.e. Animals and Human Health, Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner, or Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate). We are also accepting students who have significant experience in animal-assisted interventions (volunteer or professional). The CAIS Certificate is the perfect program for increasing your knowledge about canines, so that you can provide the best experience possible for your clients and your canine partner.  

Participants can access the online courses on our educational platform (Canvas) from any computer that meets the technical requirements.  The courses are a mix of readings, videos, discussion boards with instructors and students, community assignments (experiential activities and interviews), and written assignments.  There are no specific times you must be online; you are free to complete your coursework on your schedule.  However, there are due dates each week for readings and assignments that must be adhered to in order to receive full points.  Students are expected to adhere to due dates and times in Mountain Time. We estimate about 12 hours per week for students to spend on coursework.  Of course, depending on your level of investment, you may spend more or less time on coursework.  Upon completion, students earn 21 professional continuing education units (CEUs) and can request an official transcript from the University of Denver. 

Many of our students complete their coursework at night and on the weekends because of outside work responsibilities.  Since the CAIS program is a professional development program, it is very common for our students to work full-time and participate in the CAIS program as their individual schedule allows.  The courses are designed to give you the tools needed to improve your knowledge and skills with canines for any type of animal-assisted intervention practice, with all the proper considerations and feedback from experienced professionals. 

We offer CAIS start dates in January and August each year. You can find details about the exact start dates, the $3,500 program fee, and information on how to apply on the website. Since our program is quite popular and because we only accept 15 students per cohort, I highly recommend you submit an online application as soon as you decide if this is the right fit for you. You can find more information about the CAIS program at: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/canine-assisted-intervention-specialist-certificate. 

Canine-Assisted Intervention Certificate | IHAC | GSSW | University of Denver

https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/canine-assisted-intervention-specialist-certificate