Barry University’s Canine Assisted Trauma-Informed Services Specialist (CATISS) certificate program equips professionals to integrate canine-assisted interventions into trauma-informed care. This immersive, 12-week training course is led by industry experts and focuses on building effective, ethical handler-canine teams through a lens of cultural humility and sensitivity.
Transform Your Practice with the Power of Canine-Assisted Support
Program Highlights
70 hours of instruction
11 weeks of live online sessions
A hands-on capstone weekend experience
Small cohort size
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70 hours of instruction
-
11 weeks of live online sessions
-
A hands-on capstone weekend experience
-
Small cohort size
Our program is built on four essential pillars that collectively establish a comprehensive framework for effective canine-assisted trauma-informed services:
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Integrated Handler-Canine Relationship
The bond between handler and canine is foundational to effective services. Participants learn to recognize the nuances of non-verbal communication, empathy, and trust that characterize successful partnerships, enhancing the healing process for those experiencing trauma.
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Canine Health and Wellbeing
A healthy, well-cared-for canine is essential for effective engagement with clients. This pillar underscores the ethical responsibility of handlers to prioritize the physical and mental health of their animal partners, ensuring they are willing participants in the healing process.
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Trauma-Informed Principles
Understanding trauma and its effects is crucial when incorporating animal-assisted approaches. This pillar emphasizes principles that promote safe and supportive environments, preparing participants to recognize and respond sensitively to the needs of clients who have experienced trauma.
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Cultural Humility Integration
Cultural humility is vital in diverse communities. This pillar encourages participants to recognize their own cultural biases and engage in lifelong learning about clients' cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and understanding.
Who Should Participate?
This program is ideal for professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in:
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Behavioral/Mental Health
- Public Safety
- Healthcare
- Related Fields
Canine Participation Requirements
To participate with a canine partner, your dog must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 1 year old
- Have proof of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or equivalent training
- Be up to date on vaccinations
- Demonstrate a calm, therapeutic temperament
Don’t have a canine partner? No problem. You can still enroll to build your foundational knowledge while preparing or identifying the appropriate canine partner.
Tuition & Materials
- Program Tuition: $3,500
- Required Textbooks:
- Fine, A. (2024). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy (6th ed.)
- Hoy-Gerlach, J., & Wehman, S. (2017). Human-animal interaction: A social work guide
- Additional Materials: CATISS handler shirt, canine identification tag, and program materials included in tuition
The Fall 2025 start date is September 17, 2025.