September 25-28, 2023 | Virtual Conference

The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) invites you to the inaugural Theory and Practice in AAI Conference taking place September 25-28, 2023. This virtual, online conference is available to anyone interested in partnering with therapy animals. If you’re interested in learning about the latest research and best practices in AAI, join us for this four-day virtual event, which will convene for about two hours each afternoon/evening. 

Pet Partners is a sister organization of AAAIP, and Pet Partners volunteers are eligible for a discounted registration fee. Additionally, early bird pricing is available through the end of June.

2023 AAAIP Conference logo

Speakers

This event will include sessions from 16 field leaders, including:

  • Marty Becker, DVM, Veterinarian and founder of Fear Free
    • Session: The Importance of a Fear-Free Approach in Human-Animal Interactions
  • Aubrey Fine, PhD, Psychologist and editor of the Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy, with Dawn Staley, Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired, C-AAIS
    • Session: The Next Generation of AAI Field Leadership
  • Sterling Davis, Founder of TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions
    • Session: Diversity and Inclusion in Animal Welfare
  • Cyndie Kieffer, Social Worker
    • Session: Thinking Outside of the Doghouse: Creating AAI Interventions
  • Joey Lusvardi, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and Psychiatric Physician Assistant
    • Session: Cat Training 101
  • Sherrie Rohde, Counselor, Dog Trainer, C-AAIS
    • Session: Exploring the Role of Handler Mental Health in AAI
  • And more! (Full speaker lineup to be announced in July)

Who Should Attend 

There is something to benefit everyone in animal-assisted interventions! From those just getting started as a handler to experienced volunteer leaders to those coordinating facility therapy animal programs, you will find value in this conference hosted by AAAIP. 

About the Conference 

Virtual conference sessions take place September 25-28, 2023. Sessions are approximately two hours long and begin at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT. If you are not able to watch the sessions at the scheduled time, recordings will be available to registered participants immediately after the sessions.  

Conference Registration Fees

Registration provides access to the entire conference : four days of sessions, plus access to the recordings immediately after the event.

Early Bird Registration Fee

(Available until July 10, 2023)

  • Pet Partners volunteers & AAAIP members: $99
  • General public: $199

Registration Fee

(After July 10, 2023)

  • Pet Partners volunteers & AAAIP members: $129
  • General public: $229 

Steps to Register

Pet Partners volunteers and those interested in AAI are encouraged to register for this exciting event!

Pet Partners volunteer registration:

  • Log in to the Pet Partners Volunteer Center.
  • Click Courses & Events, and then click Sign Up. Go to the Professionals section, and then click Conference. 

Registration is open to everyone. If you are not a Pet Partners volunteer, you can still register. Start by creating an account at the Pet Partners Volunteer Center.

Event Questions

For questions about the event, please contact AAAIP.

Contact AAAIP