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
Farewell to IHAC's Associate Director, Erica Elvove
With deep gratitude and appreciation for her influence and leadership, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) is announcing Associate Director Erica Elvove’s departure from our organization. After 13 years of service to IHAC, Erica is now transitioning to her new role as the Senior Vice President for Conservation Engagement and Impact at the Denver Zoological Foundation. We will miss her calm, generous, and thoughtful presence, and will look forward to working with her on new partnerships and possibilities.
Meet IHAC's New Executive Director
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is excited to welcome Dr. Kevin Morris into the role of Executive Director! Kevin has served as IHAC's Director of Research since 2016. In addition, Kevin is a Research Associate Professor and the American Humane Endowed Chair at the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. Kevin has overseen the development of IHAC's robust research agenda and looks forward to leading the Institute into the next chapter.
We asked Kevin to answer a few questions so you can get to know him. Take a few moments to learn about his background, his vision for IHAC, and his favorite animal!
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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