Podcast

Podcast with Professor Carri Westgarth and Anna Baggot Welcome to our latest podcast, where we explore the importance of establishing safe and supportive relationships between dogs and children in schools.Joining us are Anna Baggott and Professor Carri Westgarth. Anna is Education Lead at PDSA and a leading member of the Pet Education Partnership, bringing nine years of experience alongside a background as a primary school teacher in challenging environments. Her work focuses on supporting schools and young people, and she also contributes to the National School Dog Alliance.Alongside her is Professor Carri Westgarth, Chair in Human–Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool. With expertise spanning animal behaviour, dog training, veterinary epidemiology and public health, Carri’s research explores how human–dog relationships impact both wellbeing and safety, including work on preventing dog bites and promoting responsible ownership.Together, Anna and Carri combine practical education experience with cutting-edge research to discuss how we can create safe, positive and enriching interactions between children and dogs in school settings. LISTEN TO PODCAST 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ali Colley, the inspirational founder of Hope’s Therapy Dogs. Ali brings a wealth of experience as an educator and canine behaviour specialist, and she’s passionate about the power of dogs to support children’s emotional regulation, self-esteem, and learning.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ali Colley, the inspirational founder of Hope’s Therapy Dogs. Ali brings a wealth of experience as an educator and canine behaviour specialist, and she’s passionate about the power of dogs to support children’s emotional regulation, self-esteem, and learning.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ali Colley, the inspirational founder of Hope’s Therapy Dogs. Ali brings a wealth of experience as an educator and canine behaviour specialist, and she’s passionate about the power of dogs to support children’s emotional regulation, self-esteem, and learning.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jill Steel – former primary school teacher…

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jill Steel – former primary school teacher…

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jill Steel – former primary school teacher…

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jill Steel – former primary school teacher…

Podcast With Jen Von Lintel In this podcast, Jen VonLintel, a seasoned school counsellor and animal-assisted intervention specialist from Colorado, USA, shares her extensive experience in developing high-quality school dog programmes. Jen’s journey began in 2009 with a research study by the Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC), leading her to establish an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) programme at her school with her golden retriever, Copper. Today, Jen plays a crucial role in mentoring professionals, screening therapy dog teams, and facilitating therapy dog training for her district. Jen’s expertise includes trauma-informed canine interventions, recognized by her 2018 Magic Award from Pet Partners, and her leadership extends to managing a 6,000-member community of educators on the School Therapy Dogs Facebook group. She has contributed to key resources, including co-authoring Pathways for Implementing a School Therapy Dog Program, and regularly presents at national conferences. Driven by her dedication to ethical and impactful AAI, Jen’s ongoing work with organisations like HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals exemplifies her commitment to advancing the field. Click Here To Listen

Dr Marc Abraham, OBE In this podcast, Dr. Marc Abraham OBE—a veterinary surgeon, author, and passionate animal welfare campaigner—dives into the world of school dogs. As an ambassador for the National School Dog Alliance (NSDA) and secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), Dr. Marc brings unique insights into why school dogs are so important, how to keep them healthy, and how we can all be advocates for animal welfare. Known for founding PupAid and spearheading Lucy’s Law, he has transformed animal welfare in the UK, and his work continues to inspire animal lovers and campaigners nationwide. Click Here To Listen Watch This Podcast