For immediate release

OTTAWA — Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, is pleased to inform her constituents, fellow parliamentarians, and all Canadians of a new educational course developed by experts in the therapeutic human-animal bond: Animal Awareness for the Substance Abuse Workforce.

Offered entirely online by the University of Saskatchewan’s PAWSitive Connections Lab, the five-hour interactive course offers participants practical knowledge about the transformative effect of therapy dogs, service animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals for those facing substance use issues.

“This course is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world,” said Wagantall.

“I recommend it to anyone wishing to enhance their profession or their life with the power of service animals.”

Experts with academic and lived experience in human-animal interaction have developed the program with the intention of promoting animal awareness among its participants.

The developers tout several intended results upon completion of the course, including recognizing the role of animals in recovery and the wellness journey; identifying evidence for the human-animal bond; distinguishing many animal roles and interventions; identifying therapeutic benefits and concerns; incorporating animals into practice ethically and professionally; and generating and sharing ideas for practice integration.

“Those with professional interests in Veterans Affairs, mental health, social service, or substance abuse prevention should care-fully consider this program,” noted Wagantall.

“The established and untapped potential of support animals to change lives is remarkable. Canadians need to learn more about it.”

The course is available for a small introductory price, and subsidies are available. Wagantall added that those who complete it will receive a continuing education digital certificate from the University of Saskatchewan.

“This course is a Saskatchewan gem brought to fruition by the best in this field. I look forward to personally taking the course.”