Introducing Service, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals: Benefits, Legal, and Ethical Considerations

Course Description:

This course will provide public health professionals, students, Tribes and Tribal-serving organizations with information, tools, and resources on the use and function of Service Animals, Therapy Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and pets.

Target Audience

Academic Faculty/Staff, Federal Government Employees, State Government Employees, Local Government Employees, Non-Government Employees and Students.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize the breadth anddepth of the field of Service Animals
  • Explain the differences between, and benefits of, Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Animals and pets
  • Describe the advantages of the use of Service Animals in today’s society, including current evidence-based research
  • Define the current laws/regulations
  • Recognize legal/ethical considerations for professional interactions with individuals using Service Animals
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Participation/CE
    Tulane Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) awards 1.00 hour(s) of credit for completing Introducing Service, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals: Benefits, Legal, and Ethical Considerations
Course opens: 
10/20/2021
Course expires: 
01/01/2040
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0

Instructor:

James Bywater

James Bywater, MS, LPC-S, NCC

James Bywater graduated with Honors from Northeastern State University and has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern State University since 2012.

During his time at Northeastern State University he has developed and instructed various courses in Psychology, including: Intro to Psych, Personality Theory, Intro to Human Behavior, Technology-assisted Therapy, Suicide intervention, and Service Animals. Mr. Bywater is also a Supervisor of Behavioral Health Clinical Services at Cherokee Nation Health Services.

Mr. Bywater along with the Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s Office developed the Service Animal Policy used throughout all of the Cherokee Nation facilities. He also developed the policies for the use of Animal-assisted Therapy within the Cherokee Nation Health System.

Mr. Bywater is trained in the use and practice of Animal-assisted Therapy and has been practicing this fast-growing and popular form of therapy with his clients since 2016.

Mr. Bywater uses a Goldendoodle named “Cotton” in session with clients and has become widely known locally with several news articles of the pair and the evidence-based work that they provide to the community.

Cotton the Therapy Dog

Special Team Member: Cotton the Therapy Dog

Cotton the Therapy Dog is a Goldendoodle who also works as a Service Dog for James. He has a disability and she is able to provide a service directly related to it.

As a Therapy Dog she works weekly as part of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Team with her handler James Bywater, MS, LPC-S, NCC.

Cotton has her own website and can be followed on Facebook.

Cotton is very active in advocating for and educating the public and professionals on topics related to Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy Animals.

Cotton travels often and has presented at many seminars and professional conferences throughout the United States.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Participation/CE
    Tulane Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) awards 1.00 hour(s) of credit for completing Introducing Service, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals: Benefits, Legal, and Ethical Considerations

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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Required Hardware/software

System Settings 
This course is designed to work most effectively if your computer and internet connection meet certain minimal requirements. This course can be accessed using a Windows 10 PC or a Mac with High Sierra1, Mojave, or Catalina. Pop-up blockers should be disabled when viewing the course. Internet Explorer 11 (for Windows 10), or the current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari (for Windows 10 and or Mac) is required. Many of our courses require Java and JavaScript enabled. 

Links to External Websites   
Links to websites outside this course will open in a new window or tab. Some browsers may minimize the course window. If this occurs, maximize the course window to return to the course. 

Adobe Acrobat Reader (for desktops and laptops)  
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to access some documents in this course. If you need to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader, click here.  

Internet Connection Speed 
A minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps is recommended for an optimal experience, which is commonly the speed associated with a basic DSL or a cellular/satellite connection. A faster connection, such as cable or fiber service, with further enhance your online experience. A Wi-Fi connection is generally acceptable, but it is dependent upon one of the two services mentioned above. You can check your internet connection speed at http://www.speedtest.net/.