On February 28–March 1, 2026, Sumy National Agrarian University hosted an international scientific and practical online conference entitled “Ukrainian and international experience in providing animal-assisted services in animal therapy: scientific and practical aspects.” The event became a large-scale platform for professional dialogue between scientists, practitioners, and representatives of international professional communities working in the field of human-animal interaction.
The conference was organized by the Department of Animal Production and Processing Technologies and Cynology of the Sumy National Agrarian University in cooperation with the non-governmental organizations FOUR PAWS and the School of Canine Therapy, as well as with the participation of co-organizing universities from various regions of Ukraine. The number of participants confirmed the significant interest in the event: more than 550 specialists registered for the conference, and more than 100 listeners consistently participated in the sessions.
The conference program covered key areas of modern animal-assisted therapy and services (Animals Assisted Services, AAS). Participants discussed international standards for scientific research in this field, the implementation of educational programs, the development of professional standards, and the unification of terminology. Considerable attention was paid to the training, testing, and selection of animals for therapeutic activities, as well as adherence to the principles of One Health, which provides a comprehensive approach to the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.
A separate block of discussions was devoted to the practical role of animal-assisted therapy in wartime. Participants presented their experience of using psycho-emotional support programs for military personnel and veterans through interaction with dogs and horses. Considerable attention was also paid to working with children who have experienced traumatic events, in particular the use of canine therapy, feline therapy, and interaction with small and exotic animals.
The international dimension of the conference was ensured by presentations and practical case studies from different countries around the world. Participants learned about the experience of implementing animal therapy programs in medical and social institutions in Chile, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Israel, Poland, and Slovakia. The practices presented allowed for a comparison of Ukrainian developments with international trends and the identification of promising areas for development in the field.
During the conference, participants also took part in thematic workshops on dog massage, the use of
psychological tools in the work of canine therapists, and innovative approaches to conducting therapeutic
sessions with animals. The event was supported by Purina, Four Paws Ukraine LtD, and the Canine Therapy School NGO, which actively promote the development of the professional community of animal therapists and the popularization of human-animal interaction practices.
Hosting such a large-scale international event demonstrated the active role of Sumy National Agrarian University in shaping the scientific and professional environment in the field of animal therapy. The exchange of experience, new partnerships, and the scientific and practical achievements presented open up new opportunities for the development of inter-university cooperation, the implementation of modern educational programs, and the realization of international research projects.
