Institute for Human-Animal Connection

 

The well-being of humans, other species, and the environment are deeply interconnected, from thoughtful human-animal interactions to global biodiversity. Through research focused on mental health and equity and accessible education, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship of humans, other species and the environment.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, ethics, and cultural responsiveness—and a belief in the power of systemic change—we drive improvements in human-animal-environment interactions. We collaborate and share our expertise with our Colorado community and worldwide, knowing that when we promote healthy human-animal-environment relationships, we improve outcomes for all.

 

What's New at IHAC

Student with research poster

Research into Human-Animal Relationships

We are working to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment through rigorous research and scholarship focused on mental health and equityOur research aims to understand how interactions with other species and the environment affect individual and community health and well-being, and provides new insights into the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment we share.

Learn more about IHAC's research.

Explore

IHAC Research

HAIs and Mental Health

This area of our research seeks to understand how interactions with other species affect people’s mental health.

Learn More

HAIs and Equity

This area of our research seeks to understand inequity experienced by individuals and families who live with companion animals.

Learn More
Students with pig

IHAC Education

Our professional development programs, or IHACPro, focus on helping professionals increase their understanding of animal behavior and human-animal-environment interactions, as well as enhancing 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.

Learn more about IHACPro.

Explore

IHACPro Offerings

Therapy rat in class

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.

Learn More
therapy dog

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.

Learn More
Horse

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.

Learn More
child brushing horse

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.

Learn More
small group with animal

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.

Learn More
Scholars with Collars training session

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.

Learn More
Students with mini horse

Learn more about our professional development certificate programs.

Learn More

“The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is exactly the answer to all among us who know that animals deserve better but who lack either the data or the training to interpret the data that would allow us to take our case to the next level.” 

Marlon Reis, Colorado First Gentleman and Animal Welfare Advocate Read More
Colorado First Gentleman Marlon Reis

Our Global Impact

30+ Graduate students participate in IHAC research projects yearly.

140 MSW students trained on human-animal-environment interactions annually.

1,000+ People from six continents have participated in IHACPro courses and certificates.

Students with mini horse

Together we can strengthen the connection between people, animals, and the environment.

Support IHAC