Established in 2006, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection conducts scientifically rigorous research to improve the overall well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, and provides education and training in human-animal interactions for professionals working in various human service fields with a strong emphasis on ethics and animal well-being. All of our work is guided by our commitment to social justice and cultural responsiveness.
Mission
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection advances knowledge and practice in the field of human-animal-environment interactions through innovative and ethical education and research.
Vision
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection elevates the relationships between people, other animals, and the environment to improve the health and well-being of all.
We value the expertise of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and individuals with lived experiences; we seek to elevate voices that have been dismissed or underrepresented.
We work to transform the human-animal-environment interactions (HAEI) field by identifying the most effective interventions through research; we partner with individuals, organizations, and communities to provide insight into HAEI systems.
As a human-animal-environment interactions knowledge hub, we believe in accessible, science-based, and ethics-focused education for all; we provide mentorship and student development toward impactful careers.
IHAC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We recognize that identities, contexts, and systems interact to disparately affect humans and, by extension, other species and the environment. Therefore, we are dedicated to working towards understanding and confronting historic, ongoing, systemic marginalization and oppression in human-animal-environment interactions.
Commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
As an organization, we listen to and learn from diverse voices. It is our responsibility to create welcoming and inclusive spaces in which all belong.
As educators, we value the backgrounds and experiences students bring to human-animal-environment interactions and are committed to increasing the accessibility of our education programs. We prepare students to develop policies and practices that uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work.
As researchers, we strive to understand how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging considerations affect human-animal-environment interactions.
Our Team
IHAC faculty and staff are educators, practitioners, researchers, authors, students, and advocates who specialize in relationships between animals, people, and the environment.
Building on the success of human-animal interaction courses and a certificate created at the University of Denver's Gradudate School of Social Work years prior, co-founders Philip Tedeschi and Jennifer Fitchett launched IHAC. Additionally, our first professional development offering, the Animals and Human Health Certificate, was created. Since this time, the IHACPro portfolio has grown to include additional courses and certificates.
Frank R. Ascione, IHAC's first Executive Director, was appointed as the first American Humane Endowed Chair, a partnership between the American Humane Association and the University of Denver.
IHAC’s inaugural Animals on the Mind practitioner’s conference, “Transforming Trauma: Research developments and methods for trauma-informed animal-assisted interventions" took place.
IHAC was named as one of six inaugural research institutes at the University of Denver, following the restructuring of the University's more formal and stringent institute criteria.
