Institute for Human-Animal Connection
The well-being of humans, other species, and the environment are deeply interconnected, from thoughtful human-animal interactions to global biodiversity. Through research focused on mental health and equity and accessible education, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship of humans, other species and the environment.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, ethics, and cultural responsiveness—and a belief in the power of systemic change—we drive improvements in human-animal-environment interactions. We collaborate and share our expertise with our Colorado community and worldwide, knowing that when we promote healthy human-animal-environment relationships, we improve outcomes for all.
What's New at IHAC
New research publication out now!
The Pets for Life as One Health study was the first to explore how access to pet supportive care affects community-wide health within the One Health framework. While the COVID-19 pandemic complicated data collection and analysis across this four-year research study, pre-pandemic findings support the ability of access to care programming, focused on the human-animal bond component of the One Health Triad, to positively affect perceptions of overall community health in an urban setting.
While the second half of the study was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the finding of increased perceptions of environmental health further validated the study instrumentation’s ability to accurately assess community perceptions. The findings identify potential intervention points for mitigating future pandemic effects on people and their pets in under-resourced areas.
Starts June 2
Animals and Human Health Certificate Program
Have you been wondering what it would mean to incorporate an animal into your work? Check out our Animals and Human Health certificate program! Throughout three online courses and a final capstone session, you will build up your expertise and skills around human-animal interactions and develop your own plan for how to implement your vision.
Our curriculum is always evolving to keep up with the latest research and best practice recommendations and our instructors are passionate, knowledgable, and supportive of your individual education journey. In our program, you will have the opportunity to tailor your learning to your specific species, setting, and population interests. Upon completion, you will earn 35 CEUs on a University of Denver transcript.
Research into Human-Animal Relationships
We are working to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment through rigorous research and scholarship focused on mental health and equity. Our research aims to understand how interactions with other species and the environment affect individual and community health and well-being, and provides new insights into the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment we share.
IHAC Research
Human-Animal Interactions and Mental Health
This area of our research seeks to understand how interactions with other species affect people’s mental health.
Learn MoreHuman-Animal Interactions and Equity
This area of our research seeks to understand inequity experienced by individuals and families who live with companion animals.
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IHAC Education
Our professional development programs, or IHACPro, focus on helping professionals increase their understanding of animal behavior and human-animal-environment interactions, as well as enhancing their practice working in partnership with animals. We center ethics and animal welfare in all of our educational programs, including professional development certificates, courses, webinars, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) Human-Animal-Environment Interaction certificate.
IHACPro Offerings
Animals and Human Health Certificate
The Animals and Human Health Certificate focuses on human-animal interactions, activities, learning, and applications, including how to create and implement high-quality interaction programs.
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Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certificate
The Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist program provides competency-based training for human-animal interaction professionals seeking to improve their knowledge and skills 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 applications in therapy practice integrating equines.
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Equine Behavior Course
The Equine Behavior course teaches how the behavior of horses relates to their care, healthy development, and overall welfare and needs with a focus on human-horse interactions.
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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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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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Learn more about our professional development certificate programs.
Our Global Impact
30+ Graduate students participate in IHAC research projects yearly.
140 MSW students trained on human-animal-environment interactions annually.
1,000+ People from six continents have participated in IHACPro courses and certificates.