Module 1 – Foundations of Environmental Sustainability in Assistance Animal Practice
Sustainability is a broad concept that extends beyond environmental protection. It includes the ability of systems, organisations and communities to operate responsibly while supporting current and future generations.
This module introduces the foundations of sustainability and explores why sustainability is relevant to assistance animal practice.
Learners will examine:
- sustainability concepts;
- environmental responsibility;
- industry responsibilities;
- ethical service delivery;
- sustainability as a professional obligation.
The module establishes the foundation for understanding sustainability as an interconnected system involving people, animals, organisations and environments.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Define environmental sustainability and explain its key principles.
- Describe the relationship between environmental, social and economic sustainability.
- Explain why sustainability is relevant within assistance animal practice.
- Identify environmental responsibilities of assistance animal organisations and professionals.
- Analyse how assistance animal practice contributes to broader sustainability outcomes.
- Explain the importance of sustainable and ethical service delivery.
- Recognise the relationship between sustainability, animal welfare, accessibility and human wellbeing.
- Apply foundational sustainability concepts to assistance animal professional practice.