IAHAIO

The Profound Impact of the Human Animal Bond with Dr. Marie-José Enders-Slegers Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dnY6txsG... The impact of pets on our mental and physical health goes beyond anecdotal evidence, it’s scientific. In this episode Jamie Brannan is joined by Dr. Marie Jose Ender Sledgers, the president of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. Dr. Enders-Slegers' profound immersion into the realm of human-animal bond research commenced later in life. She embarked on her academic journey in clinical psychology at the age of 40, and concurrently co-founded an animal shelter, where she bore witness to the deep, often heart-wrenching connections between individuals and their beloved animals. Through her tireless efforts, she has not only elevated the significance of the human-animal bond to a recognized topic for university research but has also played an instrumental role in advocating for the welfare of both humans and animals. Dr. Enders-Slegers work has also brought attention to the distressing connection between animal abuse and domestic violence and the need to educate veterinary professionals about this link. Her comprehensive approach underscores the imperative need for interdisciplinary collaboration and heightened awareness in this complex and emotive field. 

Our next free webinar is on 20th June! It's on the very important, but often overlooked, topic of risk management in animal-assisted services. t’s important to identify potential hazards such as zoonotic diseases, animal behavioral risk, client behavioral factors and of course liability. What measures can be put in place to minimize these? This free IAHAIO webinar will explore these themes from different perspectives. Featuring an expert panel of Dr Zenny Ng, Dr Jason Stull and Dr Taylor Chastain Griffin. Chaired by IAHAIO Board member Michael Kaufmann from Green Chimneys. Register here: https://lnkd.in/db767_2C

Explore IAHAIO Membership Options! We are excited to share more about our membership types and the launch of our new Individual Supporter category! 🌟 ℹ️Our Membership Types 🏢Organizational Membership: Designed for institutions and organizations. Benefits include access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and more. 💁🏽♂️💁🏼♀️Affiliate Membership: Ideal for groups and smaller organizations. Offers similar benefits tailored to smaller entities with a focus on collaboration and growth. 🕺🏼New: Individual Supporter Category! 🎉 Are you passionate about the fascinating world of human-animal interactions? Whether you’re a student, an independent practitioner, a researcher, or just deeply interested in this field, we have an exciting opportunity for you! By becoming an IAHAIO Individual Supporter, you’ll enjoy: 📚 Exclusive Access: Dive into our extensive archive of informative webinars. 💸 Special Discounts: Save on IAHAIO events, including top-notch training courses. 📰 Regular Updates: Stay informed with the latest news and developments in the field. Your support goes a long way! The annual fee of $75 helps us fund vital projects and initiatives, driving forward the important work of IAHAIO. Important: This is not another membership category. It’s a special supporter status for individuals like you – students, practitioners, and researchers who are not affiliated with an organization. Ready to join our vibrant community and make a difference? 👉 Subscribe as an Individual: https://lnkd.in/dR3j8XFS

We reported last month on the publication of "Recommendations for uniform terminology in Animal-Assisted Services (AAS)" in Human-Animal Interactions 12, no.1. This paper was the culmination of an international collaboration of over two years, bringing together experienced practitioners and researchers in the field, including several representatives of IAHAIO member organizations. The aim is to improve clarity and consistency in how we all - educators, researchers and practitioners - use terminologies. The published article can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/eEqMrxxZ

We're thrilled to announce the culmination of a 2-year project with robust international collaboration in our working group. IAHAIO and AAII have joined forces with an international team to establish uniform terminology. This groundbreaking paper has just been published. Key Highlights: - Proposed term: 'Animal-Assisted Services' - Categorized into three areas: Treatment, Education, and Support Programs - Provider-specific terminology is also suggested. This achievement is a game-changer for researchers, practitioners, and service recipients. Now, we can communicate with precision and unity, advancing the entire field of animal-assisted services. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our international colleagues for their fantastic efforts! Check out the published paper here: https://lnkd.in/eEqMrxxZ

Change to webinar date! Unfortunately we need to postpone our webinar on funding to 14th March. If you already registered, the link will still be the same. Look forward to seeing you then.

Come join us for this webinar on securing funding for your research! You can register here: https://lnkd.in/euj2eRZs