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.
Upcoming Cohort: Animals and Human Health Certificate Program
Join us for the next cohort of the Animals and Human Health program! Learn the skills and knowledge you need to become an expert at incorporating animals into your professional practice. No matter what your professional setting is, we've got you covered! IHAC's curriculum is designed to tailor your learning to fit your needs, species interests, and specific goals.
We guarantee a consistently evolving curriculum to match the shifting landscape of the field; you can count on us to make sure you are receiving the most up-to-date standards and best practices, backed by the latest research in the field. You will have experienced instructors from a range of backgrounds that will offer you feedback and support throughout the program, to ensure that you have all of the tools you need to be successful.
Over 700 students have completed the Animals and Human Health certificate program since 2006 out of the University of Denver. IHAC's programs are all completely virtual and designed for working professionals that need flexibility and to learn on their own time, within the assigned weekly due dates. If you've been thinking about taking the first steps into the human-animal interactions field or you want to learn how to develop your own program or intervention, this is the program for you. Reach out to us at ihac@du.edu with questions.
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.
We are working to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment through rigorous research and scholarship focused on mental health and equity. Our 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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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.
Together we can strengthen the connection between people, animals, and the environment.