The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs

Many Australians are happier and healthier because of the companion animals that share their lives.

It has been recognised by science for many years that pets have a special place in people's lives and that pets can help our emotional wellbeing and physical health. This knowledge has lead to many programs being developed where animals are used successfully to assist in therapy for the ill, as companions for the aged and lonely, or to provide assistance to the disabled.

These programs utilise the power of the human-animal bond to enrich the lives of many people, yet often go unrecognised in the public arena and are sometimes unknown to the very people that need them most. To provide up-to-date information on the range of human-animal bond programs that assist professionals, families and individuals, the Australian Companion Animal Council has produced the first edition of The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs.

The 1st Edition of The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction was produced by the Australian Companion Animal Council in June 2005

The Directory is the first of its kind in Australia, and has been created by the Australian Companion Animal Council to support the work of those organisations listed in the publication, and to provide the community with an invaluable reference to locate specialist services where companion animals are helping people in need.

We hope you find the Directory useful and encourage Australian organisations that would like to be included in The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs to apply for inclusion.

Dr Kersti Seksel - BVSc(Hons) MRCVS MA (Hons) FACVSc (Animal Behaviour) DiplACVB
President
Australian Companion Animal Council Inc

 

Dr Timothy Adams - BVSc(Hons)

Project Manager, The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs