The Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) is advancing awareness and understanding of the interrelationships among people, other animals and the environment. Keep up with the latest news about IHAC and our work related to human-animal-environment interactions.
What's New at IHAC
November 5
Integrating Human-Animal Interaction into Wellness: Insights from the Workplace, the Classroom, and the Horse Pasture
Join the Institute for Human-Animal Connection in this quarterly research seminar and hear Dr. Nieforth discuss findings from her recent studies focused on the integration of dogs into the workplaces, pets in the classroom, and incorporating horses into personal development for veteran wellbeing. She will highlight the unique benefits and challenges of these human-animal interactions and present opportunities for the next steps.
Information Session: Animals and Human Health Certificate
Join the IHACPro team for a virtual information session about our Animals and Human Health certificate program. Even if you cannot attend live, all registrants will receive a recording of the session and a copy of the presentation slides.
Creating a Compassionate and Humane Pedagogy Course
We have a brand new online course available with NO eligibility requirements! Complete coursework entirely on your own time and at your own pace.
Designed for educators who want to bring a more compassionate, whole-systems lens into their classrooms, you will explore trauma-sensitive education, inclusion & belonging, cultural humility, and how human rights, animal protection, and environmental care all connect with practical strategies for educator well-being.
New research publication out now! Titled, "Demographic Disparities in Animal Law Enforcement: Rates and Outcomes."
Using Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores as a measure of community marginalization, results indicate that the most marginalized communities experience both the most cases and higher rates of punitive outcomes from animal control. Further, the Racial & Ethnic Minority Status and Socioeconomic Status SVI domains primarily influence the disparities, even when controlling for case type. Combined results highlight racial and socioeconomic inequities in animal law enforcement.
Macie Dominique, a 2017 graduate of IHACPro’s Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner Certificate (EAMH), completely shifted her professional path after realizing her passion involved integrating animals into her professional work. In both of her professional settings, her therapeutic work is supported with equine, canine, and farm animal interactions.
Since 2005, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection has been committed to providing high-quality, flexible education to professionals incorporating animals into therapy, education, and beyond. 2022 was another successful year with exciting milestones and growth!
Research at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) uses innovative approaches to answer seminal questions in the human-animal-environment interactions field. From animal welfare to nature-based therapeutic interventions, and a lot in between, IHAC’s unique research informs practitioners, communities, and the field at large.
For Dr. Vicki Kirsch, the Equine-Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) Certificate program was life changing. With a hybrid model featuring online courses and three, in-person workshops, Kirsch had found a program that offered a deeper learning experience.
Darlene Brace, Behavioral Health Director in an integrated medical and dental clinic, is a graduate of both the Animals and Human Health (AHH) and Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist (CAIS) certificates. In both of these programs, Brace learned valuable skills and knowledge that she has been able to take into her personal practice.
To further advance the field of human-animal-environment interactions (HAEI), IHAC is proud to support the Human-Animal-Environment Interaction in Social Work certificate at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work. Sarah Pellizzari, an MSW graduate who earned the certificate (at the time known as the Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate) in 2012, integrates pieces of her learning into her work today.
Jeanne Floerke, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in work with children with medical illnesses, earned the Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner (EAMH) Certificate in 2022. In her practice, Floerke offers inpatient, pediatric consultation for medical teams and outpatient treatment for children and adults.
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is excited to announce Kim Korona (she/her/hers) has joined the adjunct faculty team for the Humane Education Practitioner professional development certificate program. Korona brings an exceptional understanding and experience in humane education to our team, having worked in this field for almost 20 years.
Signature Events
Research Seminar Series
Our quarterly seminars feature a wide variety of speakers and topics with an emphasis on social justice issues.
The IHAC and Green Chimneys co-hosted conferences present the latest research, best practices, and future directions of human-animal-environment interactions, and inspires attendees to rethink human relationships with other animals.
