Oakland University offers Animal Assisted Interventions Conference

Oakland University’s Center for Human Animal Interventions is hosting a conference to help current and future practitioners wanting to incorporate animal assisted interventions into their practices.

This conference will run two full days, August 11 and 12. After meeting at Oakland University on Thursday, attendees will board a bus to Hidden Promise Ranch in Fenton, Michigan to learn hands-on practical applications of animal assisted interventions. Thursday’s events also include a barbecue and bonfire at the ranch with the presenters. Friday’s sessions will take place in Oak View Hall, on Oakland University’s campus in Rochester, Michigan.

Attendees will hear from leading experts in the field of human animal interventions, including author and animal assisted therapy pioneer Aubrey Fine; Mary Margaret Callahan, senior national director, program development at Pet Partners; and Melissa Winkle president of Animal Assisted Interventions International. Topics include animal law, dog and horse behavior and welfare, practitioner competencies, working with animals other than dogs or horses.

Registration is now open at oakland.edu/animalassistedtherapy. Costs include continental breakfast on both days, lunch and dinner on Thursday and transportation to the ranch. Space is limited. There is an early bird discount for those registering before July 30. Student rates available.

To learn more about the conference, contact Amy Johnson at johnson2@oakland.edu or Jennifer Cepnik atjecepni2@oakland.edu.