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
New IHAC "Give-Back Gear Drive" to Support Scholarships
We’ve launched a new collection of t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts with the classic IHAC circle logo for the IHAC Give-Back Gear Drive! Choose from a variety of styles and fall colors, including unisex, fitted, and youth sizes. Each order is printed and shipped directly to you. The best news – all proceeds will benefit the IHAC Scholarship Fund, allowing us to increase accessibility to our premier IHACPro education offerings. Get shopping and help IHAC cultivate the next generation of human-animal-environment interactions professionals!
Online 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!
Human-Animal-Environment Interactions in Social Work Certificate
Each year, around 70 MSW students flock to the Graduate School of Social Work for one certificate program in particular: the master’s certificate in Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work (HAEI-SW). The certificate “helps students recognize the importance and impact of human–animal–environment interactions in a number of areas. The interactions touch all populations in all settings in various ways, whether it’s the pets we keep close to us, the animals that are part of therapy services, or our interactions with nature,” says HAEI-SW certificate coordinator Nina Ekholm Fry.
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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Humane Education Practitioner Certificate
The Humane Education Practitioner Certificate 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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