
A series of five 1-day workshops looking at herbs that help keep animals happy and healthy – in mind and body. Applicable to dogs, cats and horses (and other animals). No previous experience with herbs is required.
- Information-packed and fun-filled.
- Explore new ideas about animal wellbeing from herbal traditions and modern science.
- Learn the benefits of herbs as first-aid remedies, to prevent disease, and to enrich the environment of animals.
- Create your own herbal first-aid kit for animals from scratch in the practical sessions.
- Receive five herbs on each module to stock your animal wellbeing garden at home.
- Enjoy delicious, wholesome food to keep you nourished throughout the day.
- Take home a full set of course notes and recipes to refer to.
- Connect with like-minded people, make new friends that share an interest in herbs and animals.
Module 1 is the foundation module, and a prerequisite for Modules 2-5. Modules 2-5 can be completed in any order. Each module looks at a different aspect of animal wellbeing. Jump on board when it suits you.
- Module 1 - Foundation
- Module 2 - Digestion
- Module 3 - Mobility
- Module 4 - Skin
- Module 5 - Behaviour
Module 1 – Foundation
This foundational workshop serves as an introduction to how to use plants to promote the wellbeing of animals. Module 1 is a prerequisite for any of the other modules.
- Can herbs help me to care for my animals?
- Can herbs affect an animal’s mind, body and behaviour?
- What herbs can I safely plant in my animal wellbeing garden?
- What do wild animals do when they feel sick?
- How do I make my own first-aid remedies for my animals?
- What can I do to ensure happy animals and a happy planet too?
Module 2 – Digestion
This 1-day workshop explores how plants promote a happy and healthy digestive system.
- What are an animal’s basic nutritional needs?
- Do wild animals use herbs to help their digestion?
- What effect does stress have on digestion?
- How do herbs affect an animal’s digestion?
- What herbs are safe to use as food?
- What herbs can help with a minor digestive upsets?
- How do I make a first-aid digestive remedy from my garden?
Module 3 – Mobility
This 1-day workshop explores how plants promote a happy and healthy musculoskeletal system.
- What are an animal’s basic lifestyle needs?
- Do wild animals use herbs to help their mobility?
- What effect does stress have on activity?
- How do herbs affect an animal’s movement?
- What herbs are safe to use as food?
- What herbs can help with a minor musculoskeletal upsets?
- How do I make a first-aid mobility remedy from my garden?
Module 4 – Skin
This 1-day workshop explores how plants promote a happy and healthy skin and coat.
- What are an animal’s basic needs for a healthy skin?
- Do wild animals use herbs to help their skin?
- What effect does stress have on the skin and coat?
- How do herbs affect an animal’s skin?
- What herbs can help with a minor skin and coat upsets?
- How do I make a first-aid skin remedies from my garden?
Module 5 – Behaviour
This 1-day workshop explores how plants promote happy and healthy moods and behaviours.
- What are an animal’s basic psychological needs?
- Do wild animals use herbs to modify or enhance their mood?
- What effect does stress have on animal behaviour?
- How do herbs affect an animal’s feelings and behaviour?
- What herbs can help with a minor mood and behavioural upsets?
- How do I make a first-aid remedy from my garden?
| Module 1 Introduction |
Cape Town: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Gauteng: 9:00am – 4:00pm
|
| Module 2 Digestion |
Cape Town: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Gauteng: 9:00am – 4:00pm
|
| Module 3 Mobility |
Cape Town: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Gauteng: 10am – 4:00pm
|
| Module 4 Skin & Coat |
Cape Town: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Gauteng: 9:00am – 4:00pm
|
| Module 5 Behaviour |
Cape Town: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Gauteng: 9:00am – 4:00pm
|
Jimmy Symmonds BSc BVSc and Cara Harris MA (UCT)

Jimmy’s professional background includes zoology, veterinary medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Cara’s professional background includes neuropsychology and animal behavioural science. Both are experienced teachers and are committed to sharing their passion for animal wellbeing, and presenting ethical, sustainable ways of being with animals.
This is a great course! Lots of practical knowledge. The enthusiasm was infectious. I now have the confidence to go away and use these herbs.
~ Paula ~
A really enjoyable, informative workshop. Jimmy and Cara have a wealth of knowledge. that they share in a fun and entertaining way.
~ Karen ~
Great fun! Walking the dogs will never be the same again. I would like to come back tomorrow, not in a month! It is inspirational to hear such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presentation.
~ Carol ~
Good fun, and nice to take something home.
~ Heather ~
Full of facts (technical, local, amusing!), clearly delivered with heaps of genuine enthusiasm.
~ Sue ~
A really good day! Thank you for a really good introduction to herbs and their use.
~ Gwynneth ~
Excellent! Enthusiasm for the subject is paramount. Shows in everything done during the course. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks.
~ Andrew ~
Nice pace to the whole programme. Enjoyed the herb tastings, good repetition.
~ Jean ~
A wonderful day!
~ Kath ~
Friendly and informal. Lots of information given, but made interesting by sampling a number of herbs. The note pack provided was perfect. One of the best I have been provided with on a training course. Thoroughly enjoyed making the wound cream, and it put into practice what we learnt today. Well planned and thought out. Nothing was forgotten. What a great day!
~ Carol ~
Relaxed, easy to follow. No need for extensive note taking. Has made me want to continue.
~ Rosalind ~
Great fun and good to work with the herbs in the practical.
~ Sue ~
Based at a good level and inspiring. Practicals are the best bit – and what’s it all leading to? Fun!! Very good value for money.
~ Lynne Tracey ~
Very aware of the audience and good interaction, so never boring. The passion for herbs and their characteristics has almost made me start seeing them as people. Good value for money, no actually excellent.
~ Jo ~
Very good teaching. Packed a lot into one day. Not too technical, interesting for everyday use.
~ Sheila ~
Foundation Course packs a huge amount into one day. Very interesting, thought provoking and supportive.
~ Christine ~
Everyone was made to feel welcome. Fun, and gave me the enthusiasm to continue. Learnt a lot in a short time.
~ Jane ~
Overall very informative and certainly draws you in to want to know more. I would like to take it further.
~ Sue ~
Very enjoyable. Thank you very much.
~ Carla ~
For individuals or organisations wanting to attend by adding value in other ways see the Workshop Give-a-Way.
- Single Module – R750
- Two Modules – R1350 (a saving of R150)
- Five Modules - R3150 (a saving of R600)
(all inclusive – teas, lunch, herbs for garden, practical materials, workshop notes)
Note: If you are unable to attend for whatever reason, your payment will be carried forward in full to a future workshop.
Register your interest in the Herbs for Animals Workshops if you:
- can’t make the dates
- want to be informed of future workshops
- would like a workshop in your area
We will contact you with your booking confirmation. Get in touch if you have any queries. Happy you are joining us.
Mdzananda and PETS are the two animal charities currently in the Herbs for Animals Workshop Give-a-Way for Cape Town.
MDZANANDA – read why they want to attend here – http://happinessis.co.za/2012/04/12/mdzananda-in-workshop-give-a-way/
PETS – read why they want to attend here – http://happinessis.co.za/2012/02/17/pets-in-workshop-give-a-way/
To read Mdzananda’s motivation: http://happinessis.co.za/2012/04/12/mdzananda-in-workshop-give-a-way/
To read PETS motivation: http://happinessis.co.za/2012/02/17/pets-in-workshop-give-a-way/
To read TEARS motivation: http://happinessis.co.za/2012/02/17/tears-in-workshop-give-a-way/