During difficult times, companion animals can play a crucial role in enhancing health and well-being. This conference will explore this, looking at the different ways this can happen, presenting programs and projects taking place in Romania and other parts of Europe as well as the latest research findings that extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human-animal interactions and animal-assisted services.  Practitioners, educators and researchers are encouraged to present their work and participate in what will also be a wonderful networking opportunity … the first IAHAIO in-person conference in a few years.

The theme of the conference is “The power of human-animal interactions in times of crisis”.

We aim to present oral and poster presentations, workshops and keynotes on:

• Latest studies on the impact of animal-assisted services on people experiencing crisis, trauma and war
• Innovative practices with animals supporting adults and children in times of physical, emotional of psychological crisis
• Human-animal interaction programs in Romania