Canine-Assisted Therapy Supporting War-Affected Children in Ukraine

In 2024, ALPS Resilience implemented a Canine-Assisted Therapy (CAT) project in Ukraine, aimed at providing psychosocial support to children affected by the ongoing conflict.

Supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and implemented in partnership with the National Organisation of Scouts of Ukraine, the project delivered structured group therapy sessions using trained therapy dogs and professional handlers, under the supervision of qualified psychologists.

Through this initiative, over 3,000 children participated in safe and supportive group sessions designed to help them process trauma, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with a sense of normalcy.

The project was delivered through more than 120 field visits across 85+ villages and small towns in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions, with a strong focus on reaching children in rural and underserved areas. Activities were carried out in close coordination with local communities to ensure relevance and accessibility.

The approach combined psychosocial support with innovative therapeutic methods, creating safe spaces where children could express themselves, engage with peers, and benefit from the calming and supportive presence of therapy animals.

This community-based model not only addressed immediate mental health needs but also contributed to longer-term resilience and recovery within affected communities.

As highlighted in international media, including The Washington Post, efforts to rescue and care for animals in Ukraine have contributed to a broader cultural shift — one that recognises the powerful role animals can play in healing and emotional support.

Through initiatives like this, ALPS Resilience continues to explore innovative, human-centred approaches to support communities affected by crisis.

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