Design Safe, Effective, Ethical, and Scientifically Sound Animal-Assisted Programs
Build clinical and educational animal-assisted programs that prioritise human safety, animal welfare, and measurable outcomes.
I also provide specialist support if you have clients or students who are seeking their own assistance animal.
The Gaps in Animal-Assisted Service Implementation
Integrating animals into therapeutic or educational environments is incredibly rewarding, but it presents unique challenges. Without a robust clinical or operational framework, you risk client/student safety, animal burnout, and organisational liability. Many clinicians and schools want to do this work, but they lack the formalised guidance needed to execute it safely and professionally. I use scientific evidence to help you build ethical, values-driven programs that benefit all parties.
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Animal Welfare & Stress: How do you recognise subtle signs of stress in animals and prevent burnout? How do you meet your obligations to protect the needs of the animal?
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Safety & Suitability: Are your assessment and selection criteria for animals rigorous enough to prevent incident risks?
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Unstructured Sessions: How do you transition from having an animal 'present' to running goal-directed, structured, and clinically effective interventions?
How I Support Clinicians and Educators
Program Protocol Design & Integration
I will collaborate with you to build custom, step-by-step clinical or classroom integration protocols. From consent forms to daily operational flows, I help ensure your program runs smoothly and professionally.
Risk Management & Animal Welfare Guidelines
Establish high-standard welfare protocols, safety baselines, and emergency procedures. I help you design clear frameworks that protect your clients or students, your organisation, and your animal's well-being.
Clinical & Practical Program Review
Ensure your existing animal-assisted programs measure up to modern scientific standards. I can audit your curriculum, goals, and safety standards to optimise client/student outcomes and professional credibility.
If your client or student is thinking of getting an assistance animal
As a clinician or educator, you may be the first point of contact when a family considers an assistance animal. But navigating the sourcing and training process, managing expectations, and understanding how someone may benefit from an assistance animal, requires specialised knowledge. I offer two ways to support you:
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Direct client referrals: Your clients can book a 1-on-1 consultation directly with me to get independent, objective, and evidence-based advice, allowing you to remain focused on your core clinical or educational goals.
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Professional case consultations: If you prefer to guide the client directly, we can consult 1-on-1. I will equip you with the strategic insights, pathways, and resources you need to confidently advise them within your own practice or school.
Science-Backed Standards for Clinical and School Environments
As an active researcher in the science of the human-animal bond, I translate complex academic findings into highly practical guidelines. Ensure your clinical or school practice is built on a foundation of core values, supported by current, peer-reviewed evidence.
Testimonial
"I had the pleasure and opportunity to receive online lectures on Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy from Tiffani Howell, which she thoughtfully personalised to my professional requirements. The sessions were thoroughly researched, well-structured, and explained with great clarity.
Tiffani went beyond simply curating presentations. She shared valuable resources, was incredibly approachable and forthcoming, and created a comfortable and collaborative learning environment. She took the time to understand my specific needs and was flexible in adapting the sessions accordingly.
What I particularly appreciated was her openness to sharing, receiving, and exchanging knowledge. Her support extended beyond the lectures as well, as she continued to share resources and connect me with relevant professionals and opportunities. I am grateful for the time, thoughtfulness, and genuine engagement she brought to the learning process, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy."
— Sanjoni Sethi, Clinical Psychologist and EMDR trained clinician