Evidence-based consulting for animal-assisted services
I am a consultant with over 15 years of experience in academia, researching human-animal relationships. I want to ensure that the animal-based supports for vulnerable people are safe and beneficial for all parties.
Animal-assisted services, like assistance dogs and therapy animals, are increasing. This raises opportunities to further integrate animals into society to the benefit of both humans and animals. However, there are also challenges, like ensuring human safety and animal welfare.
My mission: To advance humane, effective, and evidence-based human-animal partnerships, maximising mutual benefit and proactively mitigating risks.
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My advice and training programs will always be informed by the best available scientific evidence. ​​
What are animal-assisted services?​
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​Animals working to support human health and independence are increasing. Some of the most common roles are:
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Assistance animals who help people with a disability to live, work, and play within their community
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Therapy animals who work with clinicians to improve outcomes for clients in a therapeutic program
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School support animals who operate in schools or educational programs to enhance student learning.
However, there are challenges associated with these animals, too. Assistance animals are often denied access to public spaces that they are legally entitled to enter. Therapy and school support animals inherently introduce an element of risk into work with vulnerable clients or students. Fortunately, careful management can help mitigate these risks, to maximise the benefits to humans and animals alike.
With more than 15 years of experience in research, I have the expertise to help manage some of the difficulties that can arise when we engage animals to support human health and independence.
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I provide evidence-informed advice and training on the following topics:
Assistance animals
I support government departments to develop policies and educational materials to reduce public access denials for assistance animals, and to better determine whether someone may be eligible to receive funding support for an assistance animal.
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I work with companies, providing staff training to ensure that they are aware of their obligations to allow assistance animals onto their premises, and how to manage potentially conflicting advice (e.g., food hygiene rules).
I help clinicians who have a client with an assistance animal, to work with the client and animal for therapeutic benefits that extend beyond the therapy session. ​
Animal-assisted therapy
I work with clinicians to understand the evidence base, including potential benefits and pitfalls, for those hoping to establish an animal-assisted therapeutic program
Animal-assisted education
I provide advice to individual schools and school systems for integrating a support animal into their school(s).
Research
I am available to undertake research projects around any of these topics
Latest news
Monday, 2 Feb 2026
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I spoke to ABC Radio National about human-animal relationships and life at the dog park.
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Tuesday, 16 December 2025​​
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New article about dog-assisted speech therapy for children, published open access.
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