PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANISTERAPY SPECIALIST ABROAD

Abstract

The need for socio-psychological support for vulnerable categories of citizens determines the development of a widerange of rehabilitation services. Among the new methods of rehabilitation, canistherapy stands out, which involves the participation of specially trained dogs in interactions with clients. International experience in implementing this method has confirmed its effectiveness in working with various groups of people.  The use of canistherapy in Ukraine raises the issue of professional training for specialists.

Having studied the specifics of canistherapy services in European Union countries, we found that education in this field is currently available in Spain, Israel, and the Czech Republic. In Poland, the profession of «canistherapist» is even included in the national classification of professions, and in Lithuania, canistherapy is also officially recognized.

Based on a comparative analysis of professional standards for the «canistherapist» specialty in Lithuania and Poland, the necessary knowledge and skills required for specialists were identified, along with educational requirements, material and technical support, and a provisional list of social skills. Employment opportunities were also proposed.

In Ukraine, the profession of «canistherapist» han’t been recognized yet, and accordingly, there are no educational programs or professional standards. Specialist training is carried out only through certified courses, and an educational component titled «Canistherapy» has been developed for future veterinarians at the Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies.