A Focus on Advancing Skills and Knowledge in Animal Therapy

As we say farewell to the past year and with the promise of a new one, it’s the perfect time to set intentions, plan your CPD and courses, plus foster your personal and professional growth.

As an animal therapist, considering a fresh perspective of your current Continuing Professional Development (CPD) could be the catalyst for transformative change. Identify your aims and consider how to progress the service you provide animals and owners.

1. Reflect on Achievements + Needs

Your career CPD journey is a long term commitment which needs careful planning. Reflect on your past year and celebrate your successes, as well as acknowledging areas where there is room for improvement or growth.

Ask yourself, what worked well in your animal therapy practice? What challenges did you face? Identifying these aspects will guide you in choosing the best CPD opportunities to optimise your strengths and address your specific needs.

2. Set Clear Goals

Use open and honest professional reflection as your compass to set yourself clear and achievable goals for the upcoming year. Define what success looks like for you in terms of animal therapy, with regards to your service and business.

Perhaps you aim to expand your knowledge in a specific area, improve certain clinical skills, or incorporate innovative techniques into your practice. Your own goals will serve as a great foundation for your new CPD plan.

3. Explore Diverse CPD Opportunities

The field of animal therapy is dynamic, with new research and techniques emerging regularly. Take time to explore a variety of CPD opportunities – from workshops and conferences to online membership groups, courses and webinars.

Discover programmes that align with your ethics and goals. Seek opportunities which provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, as animal therapy is a mindful “hands on” healthcare service.

4. Embrace Technological Advancements

The digital age has revolutionized the accessibility of information. Take advantage of online resources, virtual workshops and e-learning platforms, to stay current with the latest trends and breakthroughs in animal therapy.

This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace, fitting education seamlessly into your schedule. Achieve a good work – life balance alongside your goals, over a realistic time frame.

5. Collaborate + Network

Networking isn’t just for making professional connections; it’s also a valuable source of learning. Engage with fellow animal therapists, attend friendly industry events and participate in communities. By discussing cases, sharing experiences and learning from others, this can be as enriching as formal CPD programmes.

A great example of an event not to miss, is the IRVAP Conference in October 2024.

For more information, check out irvap.org.uk and the IRVAP Conference ’23 Blog 

6. Document Your CPD Journey

As well as adding to your CPD Record, add a section for your planning over this year and beyond. This documentation fulfills professional requirements, as well as serving as an invaluable roadmap of your growth.

Regularly revisit your CPD log to track your progress, adjust goals and identify areas that may need further attention. 

7. Prioritize Self-Care

Lastly, remember to care for yourself, as we know from research that burnout can hinder professional growth. Include activities in your CPD plan that focus on your well-being, such as mindfulness practices or stress management workshops. Check out our BLOG on Wellbeing for Canine Therapists. 

A healthy and balanced therapist is better equipped to provide consistently high quality care to animals.

As the new year unfolds, make a commitment to advancing your CPD in animal therapy. Embrace the opportunity to evolve both as a professional and an advocate for the wellbeing of the animals you serve.

The journey toward excellence is ongoing and with a strategic focus on CPD, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the exciting challenges that lie ahead in the world of animal therapy.

Cheers to a year of growth, learning and positive impact!

K9HS Courses Resources

At K9HS Courses we understand the ongoing challenges you face as a canine therapist. That’s why we created a comprehensive online platform to help you advance your clinical skills linked to updated knowledge, so you can excel in your canine practice.

The K9 Therapy Hub offers you a wide range of certificated bitesize CPD courses. These stand alone individual CPD courses are all accredited. You choose the topic you wish to explore and shape your clinical techniques and service.

Whether you wish to advance your knowledge linked to clinical skills, progress your “therapeutic toolbox of techniques”, access business and clinical templates to upgrade your services, we have it covered!

We know how tricky it can be to find the time to generate your business policies, procedures and forms. Our Template and Video Toolboxes within the K9 Therapy Hub are unique resources specifically created for therapists.

Our goal is to empower you with the clinical tools you need, to deliver a consistently exceptional service to the dogs in your professional care.

What sets the Hub apart is our vibrant and supportive community. Connect with like-minded professionals world-wide, share experiences and gain valuable insights from others in the field.

Together, we can inspire and advance your canine career journey. Join the K9 Therapy Hub today and unlock a world of opportunities to progress your clinical skills, transform your practice and make a positive impact on the lives of the dogs you work with.

Explore our many free resources and discover how the K9 Therapy Hub can support your professional growth and canine career.