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Animal Training
Learn the principles of behavioral science to train your animal partner effectively and humanely. Students may focus on the species of their choice, with canine, feline, and equine training options available.
Train for a Career in Animal Assisted Therapy
Why Students Choose Us
All of our courses are 100% online
Complete your classes from anywhere through our interactive programs, designed to fit around work, school, or other commitments.
Small classes taught by professionals
Courses are limited to small class sizes so you can learn directly from licensed counselors, intervention specialists, and therapy professionals working in the field today.
Field experience with real animals
Apply what you learn by completing a hands-on field experience at a therapy program, healthcare facility, or animal organization in your area.
Request Additional Program Information
Tell us where to send your program brochure, and we’ll email you the full details including courses, career paths, and how to get started.
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Is This Program Right for You?
This Program May Be a Good Fit If You:
- Want to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond into the lives of those who need it most
- Are a therapist, counselor, educator, or healthcare professional who wants to incorporate animals into your practice
- Dream of starting your own animal assisted therapy program
- Want structured training that spans animal assisted therapy, education, and activities
Many of our students are:
- Counselors, social workers, and psychologists
- Occupational, physical, and recreational therapists
- Teachers and special education professionals
- Nurses and healthcare workers
- Career changers passionate about people and animals
Inside the Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Animal assisted therapists use the unique power of the human-animal bond to help patients reach their physical, social, and emotional goals. ABI's accredited, online Animal Assisted Therapy Program gives you the skills to effectively incorporate animals into your practice, start your own program, or embark on an entirely new career.
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Animal Assisted Interventions
Learn to design, implement, and evaluate animal assisted therapy, education, and activity programs — from setting goals to measuring outcomes.
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Working with People & Animals
Build the foundation for professional practice at the intersection of human services and animal care, learning how to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and animal partners.
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The Human-Animal Bond
Explore the science behind why animals create such powerful motivation and comfort in people of all ages, and how interactions with animals reduce stress and increase wellbeing.
In addition to the four courses above, you'll also select one elective focusing on an area of your choice — including Training Your Therapy Dog, Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies, Canine or Feline Behavior & Enrichment, Behavior & Training of Marine Mammals, or Animal Behavior.)
Hands-On Learning Through Field Experience
Along with your online coursework you'll complete 40 hours of hands-on field experience as an employee, intern, or volunteer at an approved institution of your choice. One of the strengths of our program is that you choose where to complete your fieldwork — the facility is never assigned.
Learn From Experienced Professionals
All courses are taught by instructors with professional experience in fields such as:
- Licensed professional counseling and play therapy
- Animal assisted intervention design and evaluation
- Therapy dog certification and training
- Equine assisted psychotherapy
- Research, data analysis, and program outcomes
Their real-world insights help students understand both the science behind the human-animal bond and the practical realities of running therapy programs.
Flexible Online Learning Designed for Working Professionals
- Structured 10-week courses
- Fully online classroom environment
- Small class sizes (maximum of 12 students)
- Field experience completed with a local organization of your choice
Students from across the U.S. and internationally complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments — most finish their certificate in 6–12 months.
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Animal Assisted Therapy Practitioner
Many graduates start their own animal assisted therapy programs, working as independent contractors alongside their own therapy animals. Their responsibilities may include partnering with schools, hospitals, and care facilities, designing therapeutic activities, and helping clients reach physical, social, and emotional goals.
Counselor or Mental Health Professional
Counselors, social workers, and psychologists incorporate animal assisted interventions into their existing practice. A trained therapy animal can help clients feel safe, build rapport faster, and open up in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can't.
Therapist or Therapy Assistant
Occupational, physical, recreational, and speech therapists use animals to motivate patients and enhance traditional treatment. Animal assisted interventions are designed to augment existing therapies, creating engagement that accelerates progress.
Educator or Reading Specialist
Teachers and education professionals use animal assisted education to support learning, build confidence, and reach students who struggle in traditional settings — from reading-to-dogs programs to special education support.
A Growing Field With Exceptional Outlook
Animal assisted therapy is a field poised for growth. Employment opportunities for many types of therapists and therapy assistants are projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade — at a rate of 29%.
ABI's program is designed to help you build the foundation to enter this field with confidence, combining structured academic training with practical field experience. Upon graduation, students may begin using the designation CAATP, Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional.
Meet Mahzeevar Dallas
Animal Assisted Therapy
Mahzeevar "Maazie" Dallas, an ABI Animal Assisted Therapy graduate, now runs an animal rescue and ambulance service in Mumbai, India — picking up sick, injured, and abandoned animals from the streets. As a child, she volunteered singing to hospital patients, which sparked her belief that animals and compassion could heal. ABI gave her the confidence to turn that belief into action. She credits the instructors' genuine enthusiasm and personal connection — it never felt like an internet education — with helping her reach her full potential.
Take the First Step Toward a Career in Animal Assisted Therapy!
Tell us about your goals and we'll help you determine if the Animal Assisted Therapy Program at Animal Behavior Institute is the right fit for you.
