The International Network for Animal Assisted Coaching has been established to support the responsible development of animal assisted coaching as an emerging area of professional practice.
The Network brings together practitioners and researchers who are interested in the application of animal assisted approaches within coaching, coaching psychology, counselling, education, personal development, leadership development, wellbeing and related fields. We have 60 members from around the world.
Animal assisted coaching may involve a range of animals and settings, including equine-assisted work, canine-assisted practice, outdoor and nature-based approaches, farm-based settings, companion animals, and other carefully considered human–animal contexts. The Network does not promote a single method or model. Instead, it encourages ethical reflection, interdisciplinary learning, evidence-informed practice and appropriate attention to the needs of all participants: client, practitioner and animal.
The Network is intended to be inclusive, collaborative and professionally grounded. It provides a place to exchange ideas, raise questions, share resources, promote events and contribute to the development of good practice in animal assisted coaching. Please note that Network membership is not a professional qualification.
The International Network for Animal Assisted Coaching was founded on the 19th July 2026 by two Chartered Psychologists, Dr Siobhain O’Riordan PhD and Prof Stephen Palmer PhD.
