Level 3 Diploma in Animal-Assisted Intervention

Level 3 Diploma in Animal-Assisted Intervention

Key Points

• Explore the human-animal bond and how it relates to AAI
• Learn how to recognise animals suitable for AAI therapy
• Identify the many situations where AAI therapy can help
• Gain an Ofqual regulated qualification
• Meet the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Higher Standard requirements
• Contributes to UCAS points*

About Your Diploma

The Level 3 Diploma in Animal Assisted Intervention delves into the bond between animals and humans and examines how this connection can support a variety of individuals.

You will learn to recognise desirable behaviours and identify animals suitable for animal-assisted intervention therapy. The course teaches you how to work safely with these animals in various environments, monitor their emotional state, and manage the process to ensure both animals and patients benefit positively from the experience.

Specialist training highlights how the connection between animals and humans can support individuals facing specific challenges, helping you become intuitive to the needs of people with physical disabilities, learning differences, or emotional issues.

With the animal's welfare at the forefront of your training, you'll be well-prepared to seek employment in animal-assisted intervention and therapy, as well as roles that safeguard the wellbeing of therapy animals.

This qualification will prepare you to work directly with animals that provide vital and valuable support to humans.

*UCAS Tariff points apply to Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications. We advise checking on the UCAS website for course tariff points and your further training course entry criteria.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK distance learning provider. This Level 3 Diploma in Animal-Assisted Intervention is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) which means your qualification will be recognised by both employers and educators. This course meets Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Higher Standard requirements.

This qualification is designed for learners over the age of 16, who have a passion for animals. This qualification will provide learners with the experience to work hands-on with professions within this field and learn the knowledge and skills to further their interest and education in Animal-Assisted Intervention.

This online qualification allows you to study around your current commitments, so you can keep working and spend time with your family.

A dedicated tutor will be assigned to you to advise and guide you throughout. They will also provide constructive feedback on assignments, so you know how well you are performing.

What’s more, there are no structured classes or timetables. Enabling you to work through the online materials at a pace that works for you.

There are also flexible payment methods available and you can start learning from the moment you enrol. Start gaining the skills to work with animals in therapy today!  

Modules

This course comprises of 8 compulsory units.

Unit 1: Theory and Historical Use of Animal-Assisted Interventions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand animal-assisted intervention and how it is applied
• Understand the use of data and results when using animal-assisted intervention
• Understand the historical knowledge in relation to animal-assisted intervention

Unit 2: Lawful Duties of Animal-Assisted Intervention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the safeguarding requirements linked to animal-assisted interventions
• Understand the regulatory requirements that link to animal-assisted interventions
• Understand the regulations associated with animal-assisted intervention
• Understand the insurances that link to animal-assisted intervention

Unit 3: Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how animal-assisted intervention can support varying learning disabilities and disorders
• Understand how animal-assisted intervention can provide support for varying physical disabilities and disorders
• Understand the importance of being disability aware

Unit 4: Animal-Assisted Intervention Roles and Responsibilities

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to recognise the roles and responsibilities required for animal-assisted intervention
• Understand the requirements of an animal-assisted intervention handler
• Be able to understand the environmental impacts on animal-assisted intervention
• Understand how to successfully conduct an animal-assisted intervention session

Unit 5: Client and Animal-Assisted Intervention Pairing

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand customer pairing in animal-assisted intervention

Unit 6: The Application of Animal-Assisted Intervention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to recognise the benefits and restrictions of animal-assisted interventions
• Understand how the animal-assisted interventions can encourage positive reinforcement
• Understand how animal-assisted interventions can be applied to treatments for a variety of adults and children with disabilities
• Understand how animal-assisted interventions can be applied to children and the elderly

Unit 7: Animal-Assisted Intervention Process

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to understand the procedure and process of selection teaching for animals working in animal-assisted intervention
• Understand the evaluation of canines in animal-assisted intervention
• Be able to recognise animals inappropriate for animal-assisted intervention
• Understand and recognise the wellbeing requirements for animals that support animal-assisted intervention
• Understand body gestures displayed by a human

Unit 8: Conducting Canine Animal-Assisted Intervention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to recognise behaviours and emotional states suitable for animal-assisted intervention
• Be able to prepare a canine for animal-assisted interventions
• Be able to use force and fear free methods to gain positive outcomes
• Be able to assess the correct method of training for an individual canine

Entry Requirements

Open to anyone over the age of 16 who can work to at least a Level 2 standard.

Minimum Age Restriction

16

Average Completion Timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Placement or Practical Required

A practical element with canine interaction is required. The practical element is to be conducted over 2 days and is arranged independently by the learner. Both days will need to be evidenced to complete the full qualification.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma in Animal-Assisted Intervention, you must achieve 37 credits. You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit and assessed by one of our qualified tutors.

SEG Awards

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Animal Assisted Intervention Level 3 Diploma Ofqual code: 610/4294/8.

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

This Animal-Assisted Intervention qualification benefits those interested in working or volunteering in the increasingly popular field of Animal-Assisted Intervention.

Upon achieving this qualification, you can advance your knowledge and experience by pursuing further education in animal or canine care. This qualification provides essential knowledge and experience, allowing you to transition directly into employment within this field. Additionally, you can pursue other regulated qualifications within the Animal Care sector to further enhance your expertise.

With the rise in Animal Care Services occupations over the past few years and the anticipated continued growth in this field, successful learners will have the opportunity to excel in a rewarding career. They will be able to contribute to the health and welfare of others in an ever-expanding sector.

Frequently Asked Questions