During this Member Showcase, Debbie Ngai will shine a light on the impactful animal-assisted services provided by the Hong Kong Animal Assisted Therapy Association (HKAATA).  HKAATA is a self-financing, non-profit organization that began introducing animal-assisted therapy to at-risk youth, children, and other groups in 2008, tailoring effective intervention methods to individual needs.

Officially established in 2013, HKAATA comprises various professionals, including experienced social workers (specializing in adolescents and children with special learning needs), counseling psychologists, and registered teachers. HKAATA’s animal-assisted therapist team members must undergo animal-assisted therapy training and pass examinations to become certified animal-assisted therapists.