Solutions from Ukraine: 'K-9. Base 4.5.0' offers canisherapy for mental support
Supported by the Department of Public Communications of the Kyiv City State Administration, the Holy Doggy team organized the inaugural "Canistherapy in Action" psychology training course for dog owners on March 9, 2025. This educational event is part of the city's "Partnership for Community Development" project competition, aiming to enhance understanding of the psychological challenges military personnel, veterans, and their families face.
Rubryka reports this.
What is the problem?
The war in Ukraine has become a real psychological test, especially for military personnel, prisoners of war, veterans, their families, internally displaced persons, refugees, and other segments of the population who have experienced the horrors of hostilities and their consequences, as well as suffered losses.
There is a rising incidence of psychological disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and burnout. However, many individuals who need professional help do not seek it. A significant number of Ukrainians either fail to recognize their condition or fear social stigma, feeling ashamed to discuss their issues.
It's essential to identify effective methods to support the psycho-emotional state of victims, aiding their adaptation to later life and mitigating the negative impacts of their experiences.
"One of the most important tasks facing Ukrainian psychologists today is to create a space of trust and build bridges between the military and civilian worlds. This will help establish communication, facilitate the adaptation of veterans to a peaceful life, and provide access to professional psychological support for those who really need it. One of the most effective methods contributing to this is canine-assisted therapy!" Andrii Omelchenko, head of the NGO "Atlant Support Center," says.
What is the solution?
Canine-assisted therapy (or canistherapy – zootherapy involving specially trained dogs) is an effective method of mental support. As an alternative therapy method, it can become a leading bridge to full-fledged treatment. A person who does not dare to go to a psychotherapist can first interact with a dog, which will gradually help them open up and trust specialists.
"With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we received many requests for canine-assisted therapy sessions, but the number of certified dogs in Ukraine was limited. Therefore, our team initiated an information campaign and tested more than 100 dogs for their ability to become therapists," Yuliia Tsepun, head of the Innovative Rehabilitation Center "Base 4.5.0," said.
It has been proven that dogs:
- reduce stress levels,
- stimulate the production of oxytocin and dopamine,
- lower blood pressure,
- evoke positive emotions,
- help overcome social distance,
- provide a sense of comfort,
- reduce feelings of loneliness.
How does it work?
The "Holy Doggy" project, organized by the event agency Holy Sweets, IRC "Base 4.5.0," and German super-premium food manufacturer "Josera," supports initiatives to foster a pet-friendly culture in Ukraine and promote canine therapy. With backing from the Department of Public Communications of the Kyiv City State Administration, the project held its inaugural "Canistherapy in Action" psychology training course for dog owners on March 9, 2025. This educational event is part of the "Partnership for Community Development" city project competition, aiming to deepen the understanding of the psychological challenges military personnel, veterans, and their families face.
Participants acquired practical communication skills and explored how they, with their dogs, can become effective canine therapists.
The second stage of the "Canistherapy in Action" project is creating a unique educational space, "K-9. Base 4.5.0," in Muromets Park for training, walking, lectures, and exchange of experience. The implementation was made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation. The grand opening is planned for May 2025
"We have begun creating our own space, where we plan to continue training therapy dogs, conduct practical sessions on canistherapy, continue training dogs, and launch a course for dog handlers on military psychology. We still have a lot of ideas to achieve our main mission – to bring canistherapy to the state level," Kateryna Shershneva, head of the Holy Doggy project, shares their plans.
Even more useful solutions!
During 2023-2024, the Holy Doggy team held seven large-scale festivals for dogs and their owners and over 50 lectures, where experts shared their knowledge about canine therapy. During these events, dogs were tested for their ability to be therapists. Then, the selected animals underwent extensive training, and at the end of 2024, the first four-legged graduates passed the international PADA (Personality Assessment of Domestic Animals) exams. Soon, they will receive international certificates and begin work on psycho-emotional rehabilitation.
Within the framework of the "Canistherapy in Action" project, the organizers seek to develop the direction of canine-assisted therapy and encourage young people to engage in canine sports.
"Engaging with dogs promotes children's physical development and cultivates essential social skills. This helps foster a generation that respects animals and appreciates the value of interaction with them," Yurii Zozulia, co-founder of the IRC "Baza 4.5.0" and founder of the asset park "IKSPARK," emphasizes.
For reference:
Rubryka learned how certified therapy dogs Ash, Bertha, Motiko, and Linda help veterans and their families in Zaporizhzhia. Read more about this in our material "Animal-assisted therapy and military rehabilitation: How man's best friend can heal the scars of war?".
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