On July 2nd, CBR Youth Connect was honored to collaborate with Adoption Options to deliver a specialized professional training on Developing Healthy Human–Animal Relationships. This training was designed to support the unique dynamics that arise when children in foster care join families with pets, or when animals become important emotional supports for youth navigating major transitions.
For many foster and adoptive families, animals play a significant role in creating a sense of comfort, stability, and belonging. At the same time, both youth and animals bring their own histories, sensitivities, and needs, especially during times of change. This training focused on equipping Adoption Options staff with the tools to help families build healthy, safe, and nurturing relationships between kids and animals in foster homes. The presence of special guest companion dog, Potato, fostered the opportunity to observe and discuss animal communication and body language through natural interactions, adding a meaningful hands-on component to the experience.
The Adoption Options team shared their enthusiasm and appreciation for the training:
“Adoption Options staff were thrilled to partner with CBR Youth Connect for an engaging and insightful training focused on the human-animal bond! With many of our foster and adoptive families having beloved pets, we recognized the importance of better understanding how to support both pets and people as new family members join the home. This training provided us with valuable tools and perspectives for navigating the dynamics between youth in foster placements and the animals in their lives. We walked away with practical skills, deeper awareness, and a renewed commitment to helping family members— both two-legged and four-legged—thrive together. We’re excited to continue collaborating with CBR Youth Connect as a trusted resource in supporting the well-being of our kids, their caregivers, and their companion animals.”
Throughout the training, staff explored the foundational research on the human–animal bond, learned to identify stress signals and safety considerations for pets, and discussed ways to help youth build trust, emotional regulation, and connection through interactions with animals.
CBR Youth Connect is excited to continue collaborating with Adoption Options to support families in creating comforting and compassionate environments where both kids and animals can grow and thrive together.