"The Animal-Assisted Therapy, Master Dog project, implemented at the Cantanhede Structured Teaching Unit by Dr. Sílvia Peça throughout this school year, proved to be very efficient and had very positive effects on the two students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This therapy has made it possible to promote skills and competences more effectively and with longer-lasting effects. The students are now more adaptable to new environments and situations, more secure and self-confident, more empathetic and sociable and more academically capable. Alongside social and personal skills, this therapy has allowed them to develop other intellectual abilities, which have gradually had an impact on their learning (....). It would therefore be very beneficial to continue with it in order to consolidate all the acquisitions that have been made and promote others that are still to be acquired."

Ângela Costa/Rui Pratas -Teachers from Agrupamento de Escolas Marquês de Marialva de Cantanhede, Escola Básica Cantanhede Sul

"The IAA course allowed me to deepen and acquire new knowledge about this area of intervention. The fact that the animal is an integral part of the whole training process makes this course even more brilliant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to enter the world of IAA."

Catarina Tudela - Graduating from the Animal Assisted Interventions Course 2019

"The course organized by ÂNIMAS provides a great deal of theoretical and practical learning. On a theoretical level, interventions with populations of different age groups and with different problems are covered. On a practical level, it covers canine behavior, different training methods and the level of obedience and skills that dogs must display. All the teachers and instructors proved to be 100% available to provide regular support to the trainees. This course has allowed me to acquire the foundations for working in Animal Assisted Therapy and to better understand my dog, which has substantially improved our relationship and her behavior."

Maria Constança Brandão - Graduating from the Animal Assisted Interventions Course 2018/2019

"The Animal Assisted Therapy implemented at the Cantanhede Structured Teaching Unit by Dr. Sílvia Peça has had very positive effects on two students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This therapy has made it possible to promote skills and competences more efficiently and with longer-lasting effects. The students are now more adaptable to new environments and situations, they are more secure and self-confident, more empathetic and sociable and more academically capable. As well as social and personal skills, this therapy has allowed them to develop other intellectual abilities which have gradually had an impact on their learning of school content and skills. It would be beneficial to continue with this therapy in order to consolidate all the acquisitions made and promote others that are still being acquired."

Patrícia Costa - Prof. Special Education Agrupamento de Escolas de Cantanhede

"The elderly were very comfortable during their first interaction with the dogs. At the end of the session, they all wanted to repeat the sessions. It's an asset to remember emotions, activities they've done, animals they've had. It's very important for maintaining cognitive abilities."

Susana Pereira - Psychologist at Lar Mãe de Jesus

"Cóbi and I... It's been over a year... Time to say that I no longer know how to be without him... Without that look that calms me down. He's still a dog, he's entitled to everything and a pair of boots... Day after day, he's also an assistance dog, a task he does very well. His help comes naturally, often I don't even have to ask... Some things are no longer scattered on the floor because I can't pick them up, the springs are picked up and always by my side... Thank you"

Carla Piúça - Assistance Dog user

"2020... was it difficult? Yes! But we had such a rewarding experience. Living for three months as a family with an autistic son and Balzac. What was initially going to be a terrible time for Gustavo's development was a wonderful opportunity to work on activities, experiences, challenges and skills. Gustavo's evolution and development have been fantastic, and his interaction with Balzac has become even closer. He has learned to feed him the right amount, to brush him and to go with him to the vet. He now plays with his ball or bone on his own, without us having to intervene. At night, the routine is delightful: after saying 'see you tomorrow' to his lifelong friend - Mickey - they both run off to bed. Who gets there first? Gustavo! Balzac gives him this privilege so that he can laugh and kiss."

Sónia Oliveira - Mother of an Assistance Dog user

"This course allowed me to deepen what I had already learned and acquire much more knowledge about this area of intervention. The fact that there were professionals from different areas teaching the theoretical component added value, as we were given a wide range of information about what can be done in animal-assisted therapies. Also, the strong practical component and the fact that the animal is always present in all the classes makes the difference in this course, allowing us to learn to know our dog, to communicate with it in the best way and to get the best out of it. I also believe that there is a huge concern for animal welfare, which is passed on to the trainees from the first day of the course, and which I believe will help to form successful pairs with happy dogs."

Sara Batista - Graduating from the Animal Assisted Interventions Course 2018/2019

"It was love at first sight! While we were having lunch, my son's bare feet began to run through Benji's fur, which was under the table. I took a photo, which I entitled "The beginning of a great friendship!...", and I treasure it. From day one, Benji slept with my son and we noticed almost immediate improvements in his sleep. My son increasingly enjoys the car journeys shared with his new friend, which can be seen in the exchange of cuddles. He has a particular fondness for his soft ears. They're a huge hit at school. As soon as they see us approaching, the children say "Here comes I, here comes I's dog, Benji!". For the first time, my son is seen in a very positive light and associated with something wonderful, his friend Benji. (...) As time goes by, my son and Benji become closer and closer. I think that for the first time my son has a friend, and especially a friend who is always there and doesn't judge. (...) From the bottom of my heart, our best wishes to ÂNIMAS!"

Marisa - Mother of a Assistance Dog user