Dubai: The UAE's first-of-its-kind program, "Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy," has successfully completed its first phase, adding yet another feather to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC)’s cap. 

Implemented in cooperation with Dubai Police, Al Marmoom Initiative, and PoshPaws Kennels and Cattery, the program benefited 30 women and children over the course of 131 therapy sessions and produced exceptional results.

In addition to supporting its innovative and leadership vision, the new achievement will reinforce the foundation's commitment to achieving  sustainable development goals.
The results of the program’s first phase were announced during a meeting chaired by H.E. Sheikha Saeed Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. 

His Excellency Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the General Department of Organisations Protective Security & Emergency, Colonel Obaid bin Mubarak bin Yarouf, Director of VIP Protection & Security and Major Salah Khalifa Al Mazroui, Director of Security Inspection (K9) Department at the General Department of Organisations Protective Security & Emergency, were present at the meeting in addition to the program’s partners. The results were also shared with Al Marmoom Initiative and PoshPaws Kennels and Cattery.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikha Al Mansoori said: "We are pleased to announce today that the first phase of the UAE's first-of-its-kind "Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy" program was successful. The program was developed to fulfill the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who underlined the necessity of guaranteeing both individual and communal satisfaction as well as promoting coherence and integration among various local entities.”

“It is our mission to improve the adaptability and interaction skills of children who were victims of violence and exploitation through new and innovative approaches. Hence, we launched the initiative, which aims to enhance their ability to perform their social tasks and establish healthy and positive relationships with others and those around them, in addition to improving their mood, raising their happiness and reducing psychological stress,” Al Mansoori added.

“The results of using the Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy were very positive in treating victims of violence and exploitation. This serves as a spark to increase the initiative's scope and beneficiaries in the future," Al Mansoori added.

She extended her thanks and gratitude to all the partners who played a key role in ensuring the success of the program, expressing her hope that these results will pave the way for providing more quality services that would strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub in offering social services.

For his part, Major General Al Ghaithi lauded the outcomes of the program's initial stage, which saw trained pets being used to treat humanitarian cases in collaboration and partnership with the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children and its exceptionally qualified employees.

Al Ghaithi also commended the foundation's crucial role in providing psychological support and counseling for young victims of violence and exploitation in accordance with best international standards and practices.

He stressed that Dubai Police is keen to work hand in hand with the foundation to ensure everyone's happiness and support humanitarian cases that require special care and attention. “This comes in line with Dubai Police’s commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation with various government entities following the directives of Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police,” Al Ghaithi said. 
The Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy program was launched in November last year as a complementary or alternative therapy to traditional psychological sessions. Trained animals are used to to improve the social and psychological condition of children and adults, particularly after experiencing severe trauma or bad events like disease, bereavement, violence, or abuse.