Here is some information on the aim, content and requirements of the course. Should you, however, have more specific questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact Hanna Odendaal directly.

The content and study material for this course was jointly compiled by the late Prof. Johannes Odendaal and Mrs. Hanna Odendaal and is based on Prof. Odendaal’s scientific research on the therapeutic value of the human animal bond. Mrs Hanna Odendaal with the help of AAA practitioners presents the course.

Students who have successfully completed this course can apply for accreditation by the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals.

What is it about?

The use of animal-assisted activities as a scientific approach is relatively new although historical evidence suggests that individuals have used it intuitively over many centuries.  The aim of this course is to equip students with a scientific basis and practical skills to enable them to use animals as an adjunct in the helping professions.

Who should enrol?

The ideal student for this course is a person who has a good understanding and knowledge of animals, especially the species her/she would like to use in AA activities, as well as compassion for help needing humans. Health Care professionals can also benefit from this course, but should speak to Hanna first before enrolling. 

Pre-entry requirements:

All prospective students for this course must have a thorough knowledge of the behaviour of the species of animal they would prefer to use in future animal assisted activities (AAA).  We therefore recommend that students either before or simultaneously enrol for the Basic Animal behaviour course.

How the course is presented:

Like the other courses that Ethology Academy presents, the AAA course is essentially presented through distance learning. After enrolment, the student receives the study material and assignments via registered mail. Students will also be invited to a compulsory weekend seminar in Pretoria (23 & 24 July) where students will get the opportunity to meet with people who are working in this field and learn from them.  Attendance of the seminar is included in the course fee, but students are responsible for their accommodation and travel expenditures. We do our best to assist students with travel arrangements and accommodation during the seminar.  The date for the seminar is not yet final but depends on the availability of the venue and the presenters.

NB: should there be a minimum of 5 students in Cape Town and/or Port Elizabeth enrolled for the course, hosting a seminar in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth will be considered. The dates for this seminar will probably be 21 & 22 August for CT and middle of September for PE.

Content:

The study material is divided into four Modules:

• The first Module includes:
• A brief historical overview of animal facilitated therapy
• Personality theories
• Human-animal interaction theories
• The second Module includes:
• Biological background for human-animal interactions
• Physiology of affiliation behaviour
• The third Module focuses on interpersonal skills and human needs
• The fourth Module reviews existing animal-facilitated programmes and provide information to set up your own programme.

Evaluation:

Students are expected to submit eight assignments – two on each of the modules. Some of the assignments are fill in with all the answers to be found in the notes, but for a few assignments the student will be expected to do a bit of independent reading and research. Submission of the assignments serves as entrance to the final evaluation. The course is outcome-based in the sense that students do not sit for a formal theoretical exam, but will be evaluated on their ability to apply the knowledge in a ‘real-life’ case study.

In conclusion:

Students who have done the course gave very positive feedback not only on the academic side of the course but also about experiencing personal growth and self-awareness through the learning experience.

Academically the content of the course is quite challenging, but keep in mind that students are not evaluated on factual knowledge, but rather on their ability to apply the knowledge.  A person who has successfully completed Grade 12 should be able to cope with the course material.

The AAA Course is presented from February to November and enrolment is open from 7 January to 28 February of every year. The enrolment fee is R5400.
Enrol here

Do not hesitate to get in touch should you need more information.