Although still a relatively new field of inquiry, the human-animal interaction is receiving more and more research attention. Accumulating results of this research support the contention that interacting with companion animals has health benefits. The Center for Human-Animal Interaction was established to further that research, encourage the incorporation and evaluation of appropriate companion animals into healthcare facilities, and infuse results of research findings into academic and medical curricula.

Welcome to our web pages. Many dedicated people have contributed their efforts to the growth of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction: faculty, staff, administrators, and students from various departments at Virginia Commonwealth University and its VCU Medical Center; many dedicated volunteers; and our colleagues at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. What brings us all together is a keen interest in the human-animal interaction.

I hope you will take some time to review these web pages that describe our mission, goals, activities, and sponsors. They reflect the efforts of many dedicated professionals who are contributing their research, clinical, educational, and other skills to further knowledge of the health benefits of interacting with companion animals.

If you would like to support the Center, by joining our efforts or making a tax-deductible donation, you can obtain further information from the Gift and Support Opportunities web page, or you can contact me directly by phone or email.

With best wishes,

Sandra B. Barker, Ph.D., NCC, LPC
Center Director
804-827-PAWS (827-7297)
chai@vcu.edu