Child Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association

You asked and we listened!

Due to interest in our summer training, we have officially added 2 FALL dates for the Fundamentals of CCAATA course at Lil’ Steps Wellness farm on September 12 & 13, 2026 & October 3-4 in Millet, Alberta.

This hands-on training is the first step toward certification through the Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association and is designed for professionals looking to integrate animals into their work with children and youth in a structured, ethical, and evidence-based way.

If you’ve been thinking about incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy into your practice, this is your opportunity to learn in an immersive farm setting alongside experienced facilitators and therapy animals.

Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly.
Photo from Lil' Steps Wellness Farm, St. Malo, MB

Learn more and register today

https://ccaata.com/training-and-workshops/

“Smiles are contagious… especially the furry kind.” Thank-you Bo for your great smile!

Obstacle work in animal-assisted therapy gives children a chance to practice real-life skills in a way they can feel, see, and experience.

When a child guides an animal through an obstacle course, here’s what they may be working on:�

1. Confidence:�“I helped the animal do something new. Maybe I can do hard things too.”�

2. Emotional regulation: �“When I slow my body, soften my voice, and take a breath, the animal feels safer and more willing to try.”�

3. Problem-solving: �“That didn’t work the first time. What else can we try?”�

4. Flexibility: �“The animal didn’t do exactly what I expected, and I can adjust instead of giving up.”�

5. Healthy leadership:�“I can be clear and confident without being forceful or controlling.”�

6. Empathy and connection:�“What might the animal be feeling right now? How can I help them feel safe?”�

7. Resilience:�“Obstacles can feel scary or frustrating at first, but with patience, support, and practice, we can move through them.”

In animal-assisted therapy, the obstacle course becomes more than a task.�
It becomes a safe, hands-on way for children to practice the skills they need in everyday life: at school, at home, in friendships, and within themselves. 🐴🌿

(picture from our Fundamentals training in 2025)

Animals do more than make kids smile — they help grow compassionate hearts. 💛🐾

When children spend time caring for animals, they learn empathy, patience, kindness, and understanding. Animals teach kids to notice feelings without words, to be gentle, and to build trust through connection.

Whether it’s petting a goat, cuddling with a cat, feeding chickens, or walking a dog, these moments help children develop confidence and emotional awareness in a natural and meaningful way.

Sometimes the best lessons in empathy come from our four-legged, feathered, and furry coworkers. 🐴🐔🐶🐰

From chickens to horses, goats to dogs, and even rabbits and cats — animal-assisted coworkers come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities! 🐴🐐🐶🐔🐰🐱

Every animal brings something unique:
✨ Comfort
✨ Connection
✨ Calm
✨ Laughter
✨ Confidence

Whether they have feathers, fur, hooves, or paws, animals can help create meaningful moments and support emotional well-being in incredible ways. Sometimes the quietest coworker on the farm makes the biggest impact. 💛

Here are a few or our animal coworkers at our Lil' Steps Wellness Farm in Manitoba!

Who would YOUR dream animal coworker be? 🐾

Obstacle work in animal-assisted therapy is so much more than “just an activity.”

When a child helps guide an animal through an obstacle, they are practicing confidence, communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, patience, and healthy leadership — all in a hands-on, playful way.

Animals give children immediate, non-shaming feedback. If a child is rushed, tense, frustrated, or unclear, the animal may pause, hesitate, or need more support. This creates a beautiful opportunity for the therapist to help the child slow down, notice their body, try a new strategy, and build trust.

Obstacle work can also become a powerful metaphor for real life.

A bridge, cone, gate, or tarp may represent something hard the child is facing: anxiety, grief, family change, friendship struggles, school stress, or trying something new.

Together, the child, therapist, and animal can explore:

“What helped you get through that?”
“What did the animal need from you?”
“What do you need when something feels hard?”

In this way, obstacles become more than obstacles.

They become opportunities for connection, confidence, resilience, and growth. 🐴🌿

(photo from our Fundamentals training in 2025)

Thinking about Animal Assisted Therapy but not sure where to start?
We’ve answered one of the most common questions to help you understand what the CCAATA Fundamentals course is all about.
This training is the first step in the certification pathway, designed for professionals who want a clear, structured, and hands-on introduction to incorporating animals into therapeutic work with children, youth, and adults.
📅 July 18–19, 2026
📍 Lil' Steps Wellness Farm, St. Malo, Manitoba
If you’ve been curious, this is your opportunity to learn more, and take the next step with confidence.
Spots are limited.
Register now to secure your place 🔗 https://lilstepswellness.com/prof.../p/fundamentals-of-ccaat