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Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction

From seeing-eye dogs to therapeutic horseback riding to therapy dogs that help children struggling with reading, the healing power of animals enriches our lives in many ways. Human Animal Interaction (HAI) goes well beyond the strong emotional bonds that people have with our pets to include all aspects of these complex, complementary relationships. While there is a great deal of enthusiasm around HAI, such as the increasing popularity of animal-assisted therapy, the science of the field is still growing.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the health, strengths, and well-being of humans and animals through transdisciplinary partnerships that foster innovative research, education, and service programs in human-animal interaction.

Vision Statement

To enhance the lives of humans and animals through mutually beneficial interactions.

How to Get Involved

Boy-Cat_440x265Animal Instinct: Cummings School scientists seek to put some evidence behind what we intuitively know is a wonderful thing: our special relationship with the animals in our lives. Read more…

 

About Us

News and Announcements

  • Animal-Assisted Intervention Manual for Facilities Now Available to Download
    TIHAI has identified that, despite increased enthusiasm for animal-assisted interventions, not all facilities know how to provide safe and effective programs with animals. This manual addresses the needs of these facilities and will guide them to provide enhanced, safe, and effective animal-assisted interventions to create the best environment for the benefits of the human-animal bond. You can download … » read more
  • 7 Things You Didn’t Know about TIHAI, and Director Dr. Lisa Freeman LFreeman walking dog
    Enhancing the lives of humans and animals—by studying their mutually beneficial relationships—is the mission behind Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction (TIHAI). At the helm of the Institute is Dr. Lisa Freeman, whose passion for the cause runs deep. Head of the clinical nutrition team and a faculty member at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, she … » read more
  • TIHAI Spring ‘Pet and Learn’ Event – March 29
    Join us for the 2017 TIHAI Spring ‘Pet and Learn’ Series! NEW DATE – MARCH 29 from noon to 1pm Barnum 104 Come meet therapy animals from Tufts Paws for People and support the Tufts Equestrian Team bake sale! Followed by: “Horses and Humans – Understanding our Hooved Companions” Dr. Megan Mueller
  • 2017 TIHAI Student Scholars Program
    TIHAI is pleased to be accepting applications for our 2017 Student Scholars program! Any Tufts University student is eligible to apply for up to $500 in support for research, education, or service projects related to human-animal interaction. Please see our Student Scholars page for more information.
  • Workshop for Elder Care Facilities: Managing Risk in Animal-Assisted Interventions
    Workshop for Elder Care Facilities: Managing Risk in Animal-Assisted Interventions Thursday May 18, 2017 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM $79  This workshop will educate facilities providing care for older adults on providing enhanced, safe, and effective animal-assisted intervention programs. Course instructors will present practical, proven methods of assuring the safety of both residents and visitors. Facility directors, managers, executive staff, activity … » read more