The Institute for Human-Animal Connection

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection Internationally recognized center for education and research in human-animal-environment interactions at University of Denver.

Housed in the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work, IHAC is a respected source of scientific and scholarly information on human-animal connections within the fields of social work and social sciences.

Last night, The Institute for Human-Animal Connection hosted our annual research symposium where we highlight our studen...
06/03/2026

Last night, The Institute for Human-Animal Connection hosted our annual research symposium where we highlight our students and give them an opportunity to present on the work they’ve been doing within our research portfolio. We always look forward to this end-of-year tradition.
 
We also presented two students with awards for exceptional commitment to human-animal interactions and excellence in research — congratulations Alexis and Sarah!

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is honored to announce that we have five, $2,000 scholarships available for 20...
06/01/2026

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is honored to announce that we have five, $2,000 scholarships available for 2026’s Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program thanks to the Jeff Fink Go Fetch Memorial Scholarship in remembrance of Jeff Fink. This scholarship fund was established in his memory as a testament to Jeff’s bond with his service animal, Earl, and his many contributions to this important area of work. 🐾

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, see important details below:

📚 To be eligible, applicants must have already applied and been accepted into the Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program
🐕 Applicants with self-identified financial need and a commitment to the ethical inclusion of dogs in a clinical mental health field will be given priority
🗓 Applications for the scholarship are due by end-of-day on June 23, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://udenver.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Cw3iokO5tSZpcO

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is celebrating 20 years! This week we are highlighting Sarah Bexell, one of IH...
05/27/2026

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is celebrating 20 years! This week we are highlighting Sarah Bexell, one of IHAC's brilliant affiliated faculty.

Sarah has had a wonderful history with IHAC that we hope continues for many more years; see the post for some insight into her time with us. 🌿

Thank you for joining us yesterday at our spring quarter research seminar! It was a fantastic event to close out this ac...
05/21/2026

Thank you for joining us yesterday at our spring quarter research seminar! It was a fantastic event to close out this academic year with. 🐾

Shoutout to our amazing guest speakers from Seattle Veterinary Outreach, The Inner Pup, PetSmart Charities, and our sponsor CBR YouthConnect. Stay tuned to our social media accounts for announcements about fall quarter’s research seminar!

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection's Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program has a brand new ...
05/19/2026

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection's Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program has a brand new curriculum launching this year!

📚 Greater emphasis on clinical interactions
📚 Deep dives into specific case examples
📚 Practical field work assignments
📚 New cutting-edge sources

Join us this August in our flexible, online program designed for human service professionals ready to ethically incorporate dogs into their practice with skill and confidence. Learn more and apply now: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/canine-assisted-intervention-specialist-certificate

Keep your eyes peeled for a scholarship announcement coming in the first week of June, open to students that have applied and been accepted into the CAIS program!

The University of Denver hosted the Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council, a part of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce,...
05/15/2026

The University of Denver hosted the Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council, a part of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, in late April. IHAC's Jaci Gandenberger shared an overview with on the research that we are conducting with veterans experiencing PTSD and their service dogs.

Dr. Katy Barrs of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver also presented on the military-affiliated work being done through the Sturm Center. Thank you for having us! 🐾

Reminder -- our spring quarter research seminar is taking place next week on May 20! Join us in-person or virtually to h...
05/14/2026

Reminder -- our spring quarter research seminar is taking place next week on May 20! Join us in-person or virtually to hear from this group of incredible speakers from Seattle Veterinary Outreach, The Inner Pup, PetSmart Charities, and IHAC's very own Ximena Salgado-Santamaria.

Learn more about the talk and our speakers + RSVP: https://cglink.me/2fC/r2277298

As we celebrate 20 incredible years at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, we will be shining a spotlight on our ...
05/06/2026

As we celebrate 20 incredible years at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, we will be shining a spotlight on our brilliant staff members throughout the rest of the year. 🎉

Today we are featuring Dr. Kevin Morris, IHAC's Executive Director. Check out the post for some insights on his time with IHAC.

Interested in checking out the publication Dr. Morris mentioned? You can read more about that research here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28960091/

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection's Nina Ekholm Fry has received a Fulbright award! She will serve as a Fulbrigh...
05/04/2026

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection's Nina Ekholm Fry has received a Fulbright award! She will serve as a Fulbright Specialist in Iceland on the topic of humans, horses, and mental health.

Fulbright awards are selected by a presidentially-appointed board and recognizes demonstrated leadership and expertise. Congratulations Nina! 🐴

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2148 S High Street
Denver, CO
80208

Website

https://www.bonfire.com/store/institute-for-human-animal-connection/

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