Institute for Human-Animal Connection
The well-being of humans, other animals and the environment are deeply interconnected, and optimum human health and resilience requires mutually healthy living systems—from thoughtful petkeeping to global biodiversity. Through education, research and advocacy focused on therapeutic human-animal interactions, animals in communities, and conservation social work, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship of human, animal and environmental health.
Guided by our commitment to social justice and cultural responsiveness—and a belief in the power of systemic change—we drive improvements in animal welfare. We collaborate and share our expertise in the human-animal bond, human-animal-environment interactions and One Health with our Colorado community and worldwide, knowing that when we promote healthy human-animal relationships, we improve outcomes for both.
What's New at IHAC
We're Hiring!
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is hiring a full-time coordinator to support the IHACPro professional development certificate programs, assist with marketing and communications, and provide general office management. This position has a key role in maintaining the Institute's visibility, engaging stakeholders, and supporting a cohesive team. Read the full description and apply through PioneerJobs. For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. MST January 31st, 2022.
- Denver, CO
Seeking Research Participants for New Canine Interactions in Therapy Study
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is recruiting research participants for a new study exploring the impacts of canine interactions during therapy on adolescent mental health and functioning.
Eligibility criteria:
- Current licensed mental health therapist in the US
- Provide individual therapy to adolescent clients (10-19)
- Include dogs in therapy (or be equipped to incorporate dogs by March 2022)
If you think you may be eligible, please complete a brief survey to provide basic information about yourself and your work.
Thursday, February 3, 2022
IHACPro Professional Development Information Session
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection offers 4 unique online professional development certificates - Animals and Human Health, Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist, Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner, and Humane Education Practitioner. Join this 1-hour session to learn about the details, eligibility, and application process for all of these offerings. If you have any questions, please email ihac@du.edu. We hope to connect with you soon!
- 10:00 am Mountain Time
- Online
Brand New Course: Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions
The field of human-animal interactions is growing rapidly, with innovative practice applications and research developments emerging regularly. Our Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions professional development course is a great starting place for students to gain an introduction to the variety of applications and research in this field. By examining how human-animal interactions can be incorporated into micro, mezzo, and macro career fields, students gain a deeper understanding of the power of the human-animal bond and how these concepts can be incorporated into professional practice.
This is a self-paced course. Join anytime and start learning about the human-animal connection!
IHAC Educational Programs
We focus on helping professionals to increase their understanding of animal behavior and human-animal-environment interactions and enhance their clinical practice working in partnership with animals. We center ethics and animal welfare in all of our educational programs, including four professional development certificates and the Master of Social Work (MSW) Human-Animal-Environment Interaction certificate.
IHAC Education
Human-Animal-Environment Interaction Certificate
Our human-animal-environment interactions in social work (HAEI-SW) master’s certificate, earned in tandem with a master of social work (MSW) is the first of its kind in the nation, and explores social justice from the perspective of humans, animals and the environment.
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Animals and Human Health Certificate
The Animals and Human Health Certificate focuses on animal-assisted therapy, activities, learning and applications, including how to create and implement high-quality animal-assisted intervention programs.
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Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certificate
The Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist program provides competency-based training for animal-assisted intervention professionals seeking to improve their knowledge and skill working with dogs
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Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner Certificate
The Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner program provides the education, training and supervision necessary for ethical equine-assisted applications in therapy practice
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Building Empathy and Stewardship: Certificate in Humane Education
The Certificate in Humane Education focuses on humane education training for teachers, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and informal educators.
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Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions Course
The Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions course introduces the connection between humans and animals and looks at micro, mezzo, and macro career applications in this field.
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Learn more about our professional development certificate programs.
Our Global Impact
30+ Graduate students participate in institute research projects every year.
140 MSW students trained on human-animal-environment interactions annually.
1,000+ People from six continents have completed our certificate programs.
Research into Human-Animal-Environment Relationships
We are working to improve the well-being of humans, animals and the environment through rigorous research and scholarship in the areas of therapeutic human-animal interactions, animals in communities, and conservation social work. From identifying best practices for prison dog training programs, to evaluating a human-rights approach to family planning, to measuring the economic impacts of animal welfare policies, our research is providing new insights into the relationships between humans, animals and the environment we share.
Together we can strengthen the connection between people, animals and the environment.
Advancing Policy and Practice
We translate research and education on the human-animal bond and human-animal-environment interactions into practice and policy to build healthier and more resilient communities. As a community resource, we host public events and conferences, provide training and consultation services, cultivate community partnerships in Colorado and around the globe, and engage in advocacy work that shapes public policy.
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