Telde program certifies twenty new assistance dog instructors

Twenty unemployed individuals in Telde, Canary Islands, have completed a pioneering professional certification program to become assistance dog instructors. The initiative, funded by the Servicio Canario de Empleo (SCE) with 486,891.35 euros, was developed in collaboration with the Asociación Canaria Terapican and the local City Council.

The training program exceeded 1,300 hours and covered five specialties defined by Canary Islands law, including guide dogs for the visually impaired, sound signaling dogs, medical alert dogs, and service dogs for physical support. The curriculum integrated canine behavior, animal welfare, veterinary first aid, and positive reinforcement techniques.

In addition to professional training, the project involved training ten dogs. Once they complete their coupling phase, these animals will be provided free of charge to vulnerable families based on their specific skills and the recipients' needs. Jéssica de León, the Counselor for Tourism and Employment, noted that the program creates professional opportunities in a niche field while providing significant social benefits.