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
Starts August 21
Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certificate Program Starts Soon!
The Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program provides comprehensive education, training, and practical experience with dogs so you can successfully and ethically incorporate canines into your professional treatment strategies. At the end of our program, you will have a deeper understanding of the needs of your canine partners, you will have practiced training dogs for specific skills helpful in human-animal interactions, and you will have increased knowledge of the ethics and standards involved in working effectively and humanely with dogs in your practice.
This program is 100% online, asynchronous, and led by expert instructors.
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection’s study on social stressors found evidence to support the hypothesis that the presence of a pet dog can assist in a healthy stress response. This study was the FIRST of its kind to test levels on multiple physiological systems, allowing us to come to the presumption that dogs may be able to support a balanced, intermediate stress response. Instead of just reducing the stress response, a dog can actually help to maintain balanced stress levels.
After completing the Animals and Human Health and Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate programs, Lauren Kruger now works for New Ground, a New York nonprofit organization that provides intensive social work services to veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Animals and Human Health certificate enhanced Lynn Belkin's understanding of all aspects of animal well-being. She feels more aware of dog stress signals, and is able to evaluate these signs effectively and respond accordingly.
Colorado's First GentlemanMarlon Reis and the Institute for Human-Animal Connection share a commitment to advancing animal welfare and elevating awareness and understanding of the value of healthy human-animal-environment relationships.
The Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner certificate helped equine-assisted practitioner Natalie Norrell achieve competency in understanding equine behavior, and learn the equitation science approach to working with the horses.
Danish psychologist Inge Schoug Larsen uses the ethical superstructure she learned in the Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner certificate program to guide her practice.
The Humane Education & Interventions for Early Learners certificate helped Xuan Gudevelop critical thinking and teaching skills, as well as a compassionate approach to the delivery of humane education.
In a new project, inmates adopt abandoned dogs, train them and help them find a home. The inmates themselves receive a certificate in dog training and earn a friend, in a place in which any warm connection has meaning.
After completing IHACs Animals and Human Health (AHH) certificate, María Belén Ibáñez Justiniano established EQOVOLARE, Bolivia's first officially registered animal-assisted therapy center.
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.
