human-animal bond

The Vision

The Human-Animal Bond Program explores the unique relationships between humans and animals and explores methods for utilizing animals in service and therapy. Maximizing the benefits of the human-animal bond requires an in-depth knowledge of psychological foundations. This is where Carroll College’s program stands out in the field.  Students learn how physical disabilities, cognitive functioning, emotional states and family/community dynamics affect the bonding process.

Academic Approach to Human - Animal Bonding

Academic institutions are beginning to explore the human-animal bond phenomenon. This new discipline needs more research, better education and a comprehensive set of standards. Carroll College will be a leader in providing a comprehensive education and significant research into the beneficial relationship between humans and animals. This  program explores the ways individuals with physical and emotional disabilities can live better lives.

Canine Track
Dogs have long been used in service to humans -- guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for mobility impaired, search and rescue, police dogs, and working ranch dogs. The Human-Animal Bond Program will explore all these beneficial uses of dogs in service.

Equine Track
The equine track broadly explores the horse-human relationship and the scientific evidence of its contribution to psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being.

What do Classes Look Like in This Program?
Students will receive classroom instruction, which is steeped in rigorous scientific theory, as well as the opportunity to work directly with dogs and horses. 
A unique aspect of the Human-Animal Bond Program is the extensive training and hands-on experience in working with and understanding people with various disabilities. Students will participate in scientific research on the basis of the human-animal bond, the methods of training for service, and the efficacy of animals in various service and therapeutic work. In addition to earning a minor in Human-Animal Bond within a related bachelor degree, students can be certified by professional organizations, opening job opportunities and a diverse skill set.

Opportunities

Graduates with Human-Animal Bond training will have opportunities to  immediately enter the field or continue on to graduate programs in such diverse pursuits as clinical psychology, veterinary school, social work and physical or occupational therapy. As a professional in the field, graduates can perform research and act as primary provider or consultant in a variety of capacities. These include animal-assisted therapy for children and adults with physical and emotional disabilities, training service animals for placement with a person with a disability, and specialized rehabilitation and therapy programs in schools, children's hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. The program's unique approach in educating undergraduates to raise and train service animals also prepares graduates to offer this rare skill in preparing animals for work with search and rescue organizations.
The field is expected to expand over the next decade, and many other employment options will become available to those on the cutting edge of this emerging specialty.

Additional Careers
Combine Human-Animal Bond with Psychology or any other major, such as Pre-vet, Pre Occupational or Physical therapy, Nursing, Sociology, Communications, or Business.

Graduates could continue with their education in graduate programs in the field of clinical psychology, social work, veterinary school, or physical or occupational therapy.

Opportunities to apply Human-Animal Bond education and background also extend to a broad range of jobs in the canine or equine industry in marketing, journalism, or entreprenuerial pursuits.