Instructor: Dillon Dodson (RSW, MSW), Lauralee Dorst & Beverley McKee

Outline and Description of the Workshop(s) Content
The Animal Safety for Human Serving Organizations workshop, led by Toronto Humane Society experts, introduces social service staff to the human-animal bond. It covers medical, wellness, and behavior considerations for cats and dogs, establishing proactive guidelines for pet safety in shared spaces, canine body language, and emergency response. A Q&A session concludes each workshop.

As clients with pets increasingly engage with human service organizations, pets can offer both benefits and challenges, especially for those facing housing instability or fleeing violence. Service providers must address medical, behavioral, and resource issues while ensuring a safe environment. Training on the human-animal bond is essential for staff to navigate these challenges and make informed decisions, particularly regarding pet policies.

Additionally, the “Violence Link” highlights how animal abuse often correlates with domestic violence. Recognizing animal welfare in the context of family violence can help prevent harm and improve safety for both animals and humans.

What Participants Will Gain
Introduction to the Human-Animal Bond

• Benefits and challenges of pets in hardship.
• Access to care issues for families with animals.

Animal Medical Considerations

• Emergency vs. urgent care
• Biosecurity, parasite management, stress signs.
• Pet first aid and preventative care.

Animal Behavior Insights

• Reading canine body language and safe greetings.
• Proactive guidelines for pet safety (equipment, feeding, dog-free zones)
• Dog bite prevention and management.

Making Spaces Pet-Friendly

• Intake and admissions, pet records, animal policies.
• Safety improvements for communal and bedroom spaces.

Legislation and Regulations

• Animal bylaws and classification (service vs. companion animals).
• Animal cruelty laws and the duty to report.
• Introduction to the Violence Link.

Target Audience
This workshop is ideal for frontline staff in shelters, respite centers, drop-ins, and residential settings, as well as anyone working with at-risk populations who have pets.

Learning Objectives
Understand the human-animal bond and its challenges for owners in hardship
Learn medical and behavioral considerations to ensure safety in shared spaces
Understand relevant legislation, animal cruelty laws, and reporting duties
Discover resources available to support clients with animals.