Our relationships with animals and the natural world possess great healing potential when intentionally addressed. The Animals and Human Health (AHH) professional development certificate focuses on human-animal interactions, activities, and learning, which require that those delivering interventions and services have the expertise necessary to attend to the needs of the people and the animals involved.
Throughout this program, you will develop skill and expertise regarding the practical applications of human-animal interactions and understand how the effects of these methods can be demonstrated across human service settings with various populations. You will also learn how these interactions can be incorporated in practice by a range of professionals and how to create and implement high-quality, human-animal-environment interaction programs with a critical emphasis on ethics and animal well-being.
You will earn 35 continuing education units documented on a University of Denver transcript.
Approximately 700 students across 6 continents have completed this certificate since it began in 2006.
Enrollment is capped at 13 students per cohort for a high-quality learning environment.
Animals and Human Health Core
About this Course
This course offers an in-depth introduction to human-animal interactions including theory and research, ethics, animals and communities, multicultural practice, and professions and programs utilizing human-animal interactions.
Applications of Human-Animal Interactions
About this Course
This course covers the populations (individuals and groups of all ages) and various human service settings in which human-animal interactions are often integrated. The course also covers effective management and ethical administration of human-animal interaction programs and interventions. Students will have the opportunity to tailor certain assignments to their specific interest areas.
Animal Partners in Human-Animal Interactions
About this Course
This course covers the many species that can participate in human-animal interactions, as well as issues that must be addressed so that client outcomes are achieved at the same time animal welfare and ethics are protected. Topics include selection, training, screening, care, protection, ongoing monitoring and overall well-being of animals, as well as effective program management and administration related to the inclusion of animals.
Cohorts are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Due to high interest, it is recommended to submit your application early.
AHH Alumni Stories
Therapy Farm Built on Access and Inclusion
Pamela Wheeler is a licensed mental health practitioner who founded UBU Therapy Farms in Lincoln, NE where children can learn socio-emotional skills and interact with animals in a therapeutic setting. Wheeler previously worked as a crisis response therapist and sought out our Animals and Human Health professional development certificate because she wanted to begin her own practice specializing in the inclusion of animals alongside treatment.
Dog-Assisted Reading Program in Mexico
Maria Espinosa de los Monteros didn’t grow up with dogs, but quickly opened up her heart and home to the many stray dogs in need of care in her community once she was able to. She is now the director of the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistant Dogs) program in Mexico City where she serves a diverse population and is elevating the role of dogs in her community.
AHH Graduate Launches Successful Human-Animal Interactions Program
Andrea Sierra graduated from our Animals and Human Health (AHH) certificate program in 2022. She is now a clinical supervisor at The Crossroads Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest non-profit residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs in the United States. At Crossroads, she utilized the knowledge she gained in AHH to assist her in implementing a human-animal interaction program that incorporates psychoeducational topics, such as communication skills, trust building, trauma, and mindfulness.