Care dog activity developing and internationalising

Animal Assisted Intervention International aims to act as a focal point for all parties, which share the same ideas about the positive effects of a connection between humans and animals, and operate with high standards. Active and well-organised associations that have appropriately trained instructors can be accepted as full members. In addition, the activities of prospective members must meet specific standards set by the AAII.      

The two-year Care Dog Project, which was launched by the Board of the Finnish Kennel Club, was realised in 2012–13. Its aim was to draft a strategy for the care dog function and an implementation plan to develop these activities based on the strategy. Care dog activities are an extremely valuable form of volunteer work that now involve almost one thousand dog & handler teams in Finland. The Finnish Kennel Club wants to develop care dog activities further and the international cooperation now launched will provide an important boost to ensuring the high standard of this function.