Why I took the Human Animal Bond Certification Course
By Sharon Capone, DVM
I’ve always had an interest in the human animal bond. As an undergraduate, I studied psychology and sociology, and I became aware of the Institute for the Human/Companion Animal Bond at the Animal Medical Center In New York. I attended a meeting at AMC and heard Dr. William Kay speak excitedly about pet-facilitated therapy, which was just catching on at the time. I had the privilege of joining a couple of hospital visits before I went off to vet school in 1985. I will never forget that experience.
Many years later, when I started my own practice, my mission statement was “to uphold the Human/Companion Animal Bond by providing quality services to animals and their human caregivers.” I feel that the human animal bond is the basis for our profession’s existence. So when I heard that NAVC was offering a certification course, it was a natural fit.
The concepts in the course were not new to me. Anyone who has practiced companion animal medicine can attest to the remarkable relationships between people and their pets, service animals, domestic animals, and even wildlife. The certification course validates our beliefs and takes us from anecdotal to scientific evidence.
Moreover, it gives practical advice on applying bond-based techniques, day-to day. I especially appreciated the communication modules. Given the limitations of time in clinical practice, we can all use some pointers on effectively reaching our clients. We all strive to be skilled diagnosticians and surgeons, but without our clients’ consent, our hands are tied. We may have ten minutes to inspire trust, quell fears, and gain clients’ confidence. The course offers solid guidelines which can be shared with the veterinary team. Likewise, guidelines on fear free practice, euthanasia, and many other topics are covered.
Our profession has always stood out as one of integrity, competence, and compassion. We face the challenges of high demands and rising costs, in an age of instant information. I have learned, in thirty years of practice, that if you concentrate on the bond in each individual case, the outcome is more likely to be satisfactory.
