Institute for Human-Animal Connection
The well-being of humans, other animals and the environment are deeply interconnected, and optimum human health and resilience requires mutually healthy living systems—from thoughtful petkeeping to global biodiversity. Through education, research and advocacy focused on therapeutic human-animal interactions, animals in communities, and conservation social work, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship of human, animal and environmental health.
Guided by our commitment to social justice and cultural responsiveness—and a belief in the power of systemic change—we drive improvements in animal welfare. We collaborate and share our expertise in the human-animal bond, human-animal-environment interactions and One Health with our Colorado community and worldwide, knowing that when we promote healthy human-animal relationships, we improve outcomes for both.
What's New at IHAC
Upcoming Animals and Human Health certificate cohort!
We are currently accepting applications for our popular Animals and Human Health certificate program. The program starts June 3, and will run until January 2025, with breaks in between each course. All of our programs are designed for working professionals. Coursework is completed online, with feedback and guidance from an experienced instructor, currently working in the field of human-animal interactions and interventions.
You will develop practical skills and expertise in human-animal interactions (HAI), and come away from our program with the skills to create and implement a high-quality HAI program, tailored to your profession and setting. Come join us for the next cohort!
New Publication Announcement
Our amazing research team has a new publication out! It is titled, "Measuring social and emotional functioning as a facet of positive youth development among children and adolescents in special education and mental health treatment."
This study features exciting results from a two-year study at Green Chimneys that evaluated the social and emotional functioning of children and adolescents diagnosed with mental health issues. The implications of this study have valuable insights for educators, clinicians, and parents when it comes to planning treatment for diverse youth.
April 25 - 26, 2025
Save the Date: hai2025
Save the date! IHAC will be partnering with Green Chimneys for the hai2025 conference, dates April 25 to April 26, 2025 in Brewster, New York.
There will be phenomenal speakers, poster presentations, opportunity for hands-on learning with animals, and plenty of time for networking and collaboration. Green Chimneys' farm setting is a "living classroom" and an excellent place to learn best practices and exchange ideas with other professionals in the human-animal-environment interactions field!
IHAC Educational Programs
We focus on helping professionals increase their understanding of animal behavior and human-animal-environment interactions and enhance 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.
IHAC Education
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 institute research projects every year.
140 MSW students trained on human-animal-environment interactions annually.
1,000+ People from six continents have completed our certificate programs.
Research into Human-Animal-Environment Relationships
We are working to improve the well-being of humans, animals and the environment through rigorous research and scholarship in the areas of therapeutic human-animal interactions, animals in communities, and conservation social work. From identifying best practices for prison dog training programs, to evaluating a human-rights approach to family planning, to measuring the economic impacts of animal welfare policies, our research is providing new insights into the relationships between humans, animals and the environment we share.
Together we can strengthen the connection between people, animals and the environment.
Advancing Policy and Practice
We translate research and education on the human-animal bond and human-animal-environment interactions into practice and policy to build healthier and more resilient communities. As a community resource, we host public events and conferences, provide training and consultation services, cultivate community partnerships in Colorado and around the globe, and engage in advocacy work that shapes public policy.
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