🐾 Therapy Pets Canada

Webinar Program

Two in-depth educational sessions exploring how therapy dogs and cats support emotional wellbeing in Canadian families.

📋 Series Format

Our webinar series consists of two online sessions, each lasting between 60 and 75 minutes. The sessions are designed to build on each other, with the first session establishing foundational knowledge and the second diving into long-term strategies and real-world implementation. Each session includes time for interactive exercises, case study discussions, and audience questions.

2 Online Sessions

Live interactive format

60–75 Minutes Each

Includes Q&A time

Completely Free

No fees, no obligations

Session 1

🐕 Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy and Emotional Support

October 12, 2026
19:00 EET
60–75 minutes

The opening session provides a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of animal-assisted therapy, with specific attention to how Canadian families have adopted therapy dogs and cats for emotional support. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what distinguishes therapy animals from companion pets, the scientific basis for emotional support through animal interaction, and the diverse applications that exist for children, teenagers, adults, and elderly family members. The session balances academic research with accessible storytelling, drawing from documented experiences of families across different Canadian provinces.

Topics Covered

Therapy Programs Across Age Groups

Understanding how therapy animals are used with children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Each age group benefits in distinct ways, and the session explains the appropriate approaches for each demographic within family settings.

Reducing Family Stress and Improving Communication

Examining how shared experiences with therapy dogs and cats create opportunities for open dialogue, reduce household tension, and help family members develop greater empathy toward one another.

Practical Strategies for Integrating Pets into Therapy

Step-by-step guidance on how to introduce therapy animals into structured therapeutic practices at home and in community settings, covering temperament selection, environment preparation, and routine building.

Interactive Exercises and Case Studies

Participants will engage with real case studies drawn from Canadian therapy programs and complete guided exercises designed to help them reflect on potential applications within their own families.

Therapy dog sitting with a child during an emotional support session in a Canadian home

Session 1 At a Glance

  • Research-based presentations
  • Interactive group exercises
  • Real Canadian family case studies
  • Live Q&A segment
  • Recording available afterward
Senior woman smiling while petting a therapy cat in a comfortable family environment

Session 2 At a Glance

  • Long-term outcome analysis
  • Wellbeing improvement strategies
  • Family success stories
  • Extended interactive discussion
  • Actionable implementation guide
Session 2

🐈 Long-Term Benefits and Implementation Strategies

October 19, 2026
19:00 EET
60–75 minutes

Building on the foundations established in Session 1, this follow-up session focuses on the sustained, long-term advantages of animal-assisted therapy within Canadian families. Participants will explore how consistent interaction with therapy dogs and cats contributes to lasting improvements in emotional resilience, household harmony, and individual mental health outcomes. The session features detailed success stories from families who have maintained therapy animal programs over months and years, providing honest accounts of both the rewards and the challenges they have encountered along the way.

Topics Covered

Enhancing Emotional Resilience in Families

How regular engagement with therapy pets builds coping mechanisms, increases emotional vocabulary in children, and helps adults develop healthier responses to stress. Research findings from longitudinal studies will be presented in accessible language.

Improving Mental and Physical Wellbeing Through Pets

Exploring the dual benefits of animal-assisted therapy, which extend beyond emotional health to include measurable physical improvements such as reduced blood pressure, increased physical activity, and improved sleep patterns among family members of all ages.

Success Stories and Lessons from Canadian Families

Hearing directly from families across provinces who have integrated therapy animals into their routines. These accounts include diverse family structures, urban and rural settings, and multiple age groups, providing relatable and practical perspectives.

Interactive Discussion and Q&A

An extended discussion segment where participants can share their own experiences, ask detailed questions about implementation, and receive direct feedback from the expert. This segment is designed to foster community and peer learning.

🌟 What to Expect from the Webinar Series

Each session is carefully structured to combine education with engagement, ensuring that every participant walks away with valuable knowledge they can apply at home.

Expert-Led Content

Presentations developed and delivered by a specialist in animal-assisted therapy, psychology, and family wellbeing, ensuring accuracy and relevance throughout every segment of the webinar.

Interactive Exercises

Guided activities that encourage participants to reflect on their own family dynamics and explore how therapy animals might fit into their specific circumstances and living environments.

Real Family Stories

Authentic accounts from Canadian families who have experienced the benefits and challenges of animal-assisted therapy, presented with honesty and practical detail for relatable learning.

Live Q&A Sessions

Each session concludes with a dedicated Q&A period where participants can ask the expert specific questions about therapy animals, implementation strategies, and family wellbeing research.

📅 Webinar Schedule

1
SESSION 1 October 12, 2026 • 19:00 EET

Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy and Emotional Support

Foundational knowledge on therapy programs, stress reduction techniques, practical integration strategies, and interactive case study exercises for all participants.

2
SESSION 2 October 19, 2026 • 19:00 EET

Long-Term Benefits and Implementation Strategies

Deep dive into emotional resilience, mental and physical health benefits, Canadian family success stories, and an extended interactive discussion with the expert.

🤝 Who Should Attend

This webinar series is designed for anyone interested in understanding how therapy dogs and cats contribute to family emotional health. Whether you are a parent looking for new ways to support your children's development, an adult seeking stress management approaches, or someone caring for elderly family members, these sessions offer relevant and practical insights.

Educators, community volunteers, and individuals involved in family support services will also find valuable takeaways from the research presentations and case study discussions. No prior knowledge of animal-assisted therapy is required, as both sessions begin with accessible introductions before building toward more detailed content.

Parents and guardians
Family caregivers
Educators and teachers
Community volunteers
Pet owners and enthusiasts
Anyone curious about therapy animals
Diverse Canadian family gathered around a therapy dog in a park setting expressing joy and comfort

Educational Disclaimer

The webinar is provided for educational purposes only. The invited expert participates as a guest contributor. All content presented during both sessions is intended for general knowledge and personal enrichment.

The materials shared are not a substitute for professional advice from qualified health practitioners, veterinarians, or licensed therapists. Participants are encouraged to consult with appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Ready to Join the Webinar?

Register for free and receive your webinar link directly by email. Sessions begin October 12, 2026.

Register on Home Page