Building Individual Capacity

Dog Health Champions: Individuals making a difference

 

Within poor, rural communities there are typically two types of health workers: Community Health Workers and Community Animal Health Workers. Community Health Workers provide essential primary care in underserved rural areas. Community Animal Health Workers primarily focus on improving the health of livestock and increasing their productivity. At GARC, we ask: Who looks after domesticated animals like dogs.

 

To fill this gap, GARC launched the first global initiative focused on creating a network of Dog Health Champions in 2023! Our Dog Health Champions are trained community members who promote dog welfare, vaccination, and responsible dog ownership. To become part of our global workforce focused on rabies elimination, community members need to complete specific courses through the GARC Education Platform. The GARC Education Platform was specifically designed for communities with limited resources and is accessible to all because all GARC courses are offered at no cost to the end user, can be completed online at the graduate’s own pace.

 

Even small actions show policy makers and world leaders that there is support to eliminate rabies for everyone. Are you passionate about making a difference and educating your community? Then join us as a Dog Health Champion.

 

To be certified as a Bronze Dog Health Champion, you need to complete:  

• Rabies Educator Certificate, and
• Community Coordinator for Rabies Certificate.

Once you are a Bronze Dog Health Champion, you can then complete two more courses to be certified as a Silver Dog Health Champion: 

• Dog Welfare Certificate, and
• Animal Handling and Vaccination Certificate.