Our relationships with animals and the natural world possess great healing potential when intentionally addressed. The animals and human health (AHH) professional development certificate focuses on animal-assisted therapy, activities and learning, which require that those delivering interventions have the expertise necessary to attend to the needs of the people and the animals involved.
You’ll develop skill and expertise regarding the practical applications of human-animal interactions and understand how the effects of these methods can be demonstrated across age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and life condition. You will also learn how animal-assisted interventions can be incorporated in practice by a range of professionals and how to create and implement high-quality human-animal-environment interaction programs.
Want to learn more about the animals and human health certificate?
550
Approximately 550 students from six continents have completed the AHH certificate.
35
The certificate earns 35 continuing education units documented on a University of Denver transcript.
13
Enrollment is capped at 13 students per cohort for a high-quality learning environment.

Application Information
2021 Cohort 1 Application Deadline
Featured Courses
IHAC -0110
Animals and Human Health Core
About this Course
This course offers an in-depth introduction to animal-assisted therapy, activities and learning including history, theory and research, ethics, professions and applications utilizing animal-assisted interventions, overview of animal information and issues, evaluation and administration.
IHAC -0120
Applications of Animal-Assisted Interventions
About this Course
This course covers the populations (individuals and groups of all ages) with whom animal-assisted interventions are often employed, as well as typical educational, mental health, behavioral, medical and health care settings. The course also covers effective management and administration of animal-assisted programs. Students will have the opportunity to tailor certain assignments to their specific interest areas.
IHAC -0130
Animal Partners in Animal-Assisted Interventions
About this Course
This course covers the many species that can participate in animal-assisted interventions, as well as issues that must be addressed so that client outcomes are achieved at the same time animal welfare is protected. Topics include selection, training, screening, care, protection, ongoing monitoring and overall well-being of animals, as well as effective program management and administration related to the inclusion of animals. Students will have the opportunity to tailor certain assignments to their specific interest areas.
Key Faculty





