ABSTRACT
I am the Director of Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC)—and HAI Center housed in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. HABIC has approximately 150 volunteers who provide AAI with their certified HABIC animals in various treatment settings including schools, hospitals, hospices, mental health treatment centers, and long-term care facilities. HABIC is unique because we provide the training, screening, and insurance required to volunteer in a wide variety of settings. Our volunteer Human-Animal teams typically spend one hour per week working with clients and professionals (i.e., social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists) on therapeutic goals. In addition to AAI programs, we are currently creating an online certificate program for people wanting to learn more about the Human-Animal Bond and how to conduct AAI and relevant research.
