The Institute for Human-Animal Connection

Home
United States
Denver, CO
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection

Directions Website

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.

10/12/2026

🐾 Incubator Cohort 1 Wrap-Up Tour

We are on the road again! The Institute for Human-Animal Connection and PetSmart Charities are visiting Cohort 1 partners as they enter the final year of the Incubator project, hearing firsthand what they've learned over the past four years, what's changed for their organizations, and how they're planning to sustain this community-centered approach after the grant ends.

📍Our third stop was Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and we were joined by Sarah Gonzalez, an incredible Community of Practice facilitator.

Despite staff and leadership changes, HSNEGA stayed committed to their community. They kept the free vaccine clinics going in Westside and Green Hills and brought on six bilingual team members to reach more Spanish-speaking families. In their recent survey, over 42% of participants expressed their appreciation for the clinics and asked for more, and the perception of language as a barrier dropped by 10%.

🐶 ❤️ During the visit, Ximena couldn't help but fall in love with one of their puppies and decided to adopt him. Please welcome our newest animal member of the IHAC team: Georgie!

➡️ Next stop: Laredo Animal Protective Society.

10/07/2026

Marisa Motiff and Jaci Gandenberger are back from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 2026 conference! They presented on our ongoing research focused on veterans with PTSD and their service dogs.

Thank you to everyone that connected with us at the conference!

Learn more about the Institute for Human-Animal Connection’s research portfolio on our website: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/research-human-animal-environment-relationships 🐾

09/30/2026

Incubator Cohort 1 Wrap-Up Tour 🐾

IHAC is on the road again with PetSmart Charities to visit Cohort 1 partners as they enter the final year of the Incubator project, hearing firsthand what they've learned over the past four years, what's changed for their organizations, and how they're planning to sustain this community-centered approach after the grant ends.

📍 Our second stop was Michigan Humane.

Even before receiving this grant, Michigan Humane already knew that they needed to shift their focus and prioritize efforts on increasing access to veterinary care through community-centered work. On their Incubator journey, they quickly learned how important it was to build strong partnerships with the local Spanish newspaper and radio station, as well as other trusted community organizations and leaders to better reach folks in Southwest Detroit. They also hired bilingual social workers to provide one-on-one support and resource navigation for families and their pets.

While visiting, we were thrilled to join them for their Clark Park One Health Vaccine Clinic. While over 450 cats and dogs received their vaccines and microchips, their human companions received flu shots and access to many other health and human service agencies. It was a powerful example of how listening to a community and building trusted partnerships can bring care within reach for people and their pets.

➡️ Next stop: Humane Society of Northeast Georgia!

09/28/2026

Join us in remembering Jeff Fink at the Go Fetch Wellness Walk on October 4! 🐾

Every step helps support mental health through the powerful bond between humans and animals.

📍10 AM in Piedmont Park, Atlanta for a morning of walking, connecting, and celebrating the incredible impact our animal companions have on our well-being. Bring your pup, snap a photo, and help raise awareness for this important cause.

Can't make it to Atlanta? You can still participate virtually! Take your dog for a walk wherever you are, snap a photo, and share a short story about how your dog has supported your mental health, healing, or happiness. Use to take part in the conversation.

You can also support the cause with a donation to the Jeff Fink Go Fetch Wellness Memorial Fund, created through the Institute for Human-Animal Connection to honor the life and lasting impact of Jeff Fink. The fund supports the next generation of mental health professionals, carrying forward Jeff's passion for the human-animal connection and its role in promoting mental health and well-being.

Together, we can honor Jeff's legacy while investing in future mental health leaders and creating stronger people and brighter tomorrows. 🐶

🔗 https://www.givecampus.com/s/l7j7jc

09/22/2026

Our latest self-paced course offering is available now!

This course is designed for educators who want to bring a more compassionate, whole-systems lens into their classrooms. Across 9 modules, you will explore trauma-sensitive education, inclusion & belonging, cultural humility, and how human rights, animal protection, and environmental care all connect with practical strategies for educator well-being.

🌱 Self-paced with up to 3 months to complete
🌱 Earn 3 CEUs (30 clock hours) on a University of Denver transcript
🌱 Open to professionals at any experience level

Learn more and register on our website: https://socialwork.du.edu/index%2Ephp/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/creating-compassionate-and-humane-pedagogy

09/18/2026

The Jeff Fink Go Fetch Wellness Memorial Fund honors Jeff's legacy by supporting scholarships and educational opportunities through DU's Institute for Human-Animal Connection.

Go Fetch Wellness was formed with the belief that the human-animal bond can be a transformative part of a whole-person approach to mental wellness. 🐾

➡ Every donation helps prepare professionals who are dedicated to improving mental health and well-being through ethical, evidence-informed human-animal interaction practices.
Help us continue Jeff's vision and invest in the next generation of changemakers: https://www.givecampus.com/s/l7j7jc

Read more about Jeff Fink: https://socialwork.du.edu/news/continuing-jeff-finks-mission-through-go-fetch-wellness-legacy-fund

09/16/2026

It’s one of the best kinds of goodbyes! We are so proud of Kaleigh O’Reilly as she officially begins her PhD program in Environmental Health Sciences. 🌱 🤎

09/14/2026

We're on the Incubator Cohort 1 Wrap-Up Tour!

IHAC and PetSmart Charities are hitting the road to visit Cohort 1 partners as they enter the final year of the Incubator project, hearing firsthand what they’ve learned over the past four years, what’s changed for their organizations, and how they’re planning to sustain this community-centered approach after the grant ends.

Our first stop was Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL). 🐾

➡️ Through this work, AAWL learned that their community wanted practical, at-home pet care knowledge so they created a bilingual (English/Spanish) Pet Care Curriculum covering everything from at-home grooming and preventative care to keeping pets safe in extreme heat. They’ve also trained Promotoras (community health workers) on the curriculum, expanding their reach and bringing pet care resources directly into the community.

We were so honored to be invited to attend one of their workshops, done completely in Spanish! Participants learned about trimming their pets’ nails, cleaning ears, brushing, and bathing at home. 🐶🐱

09/09/2026

Kaleigh O'Reilly is giving a virtual talk next week as a part of Maddie’s Fund Community Conversations, titled "Understanding the Impacts of Open Adoptions."

🗓️ September 16th at 11 AM PST

➡️ Interested in attending? Find more details about Maddie's Fund Community Conversations and how to register on their website: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

09/08/2026

We’re back from the 6th Annual Partnerships for Veteran and Military Health Conference! Thank you to everyone that connected with us and attended our talk. 🐾

Address

2148 S High Street
Denver, CO
80208

Website

http://www.du.edu/ihac, https://www.bonfire.com/store/institute-for-human-animal-connection/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Institute for Human-Animal Connection posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.