Joining the Global Conversation: IAHAIO Conference 2025

January 7, 2026

Distance education and virtual events have become the norm. Technology has lessened the necessity for face-to face meetings. Therefore, an assembly of professionals from around the globe once again highlighted the significance of in-person gatherings. It showed the importance of building relationships in real-time, and the strengthening of community through direct exchange of ideas.

This past August, over two hundred professionals from around the world convened at the Triennial Conference of the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) in Amsterdam, NL. This event has long served to encourage international collaboration in human-animal interactions and animal-assisted services, and brought together practitioners, educators and researchers representing four continents to exchange information and share strategies.

Key Conversations on Practice

Well-being for All: Innovations and Insights in Human-Animal Interactions had four key objectives:

  • Encourage collaboration
  • Focus on new insights
  • Spotlight exciting Dutch human-animal interaction work
  • Support professional sustainability

Presentation topics ranged from the latest research data presented by scientists exploring the impact of human-animal interaction to how practitioners and researchers can create collaborative relationships. Ensuring animal welfare in animal-assisted services was also a big theme. Talks focused on how to give a dog, cat or horse choices in their interactions with people, including the ability to decline participation.

Diverse impacts of human-animal interactions on the well-being of people and animals were presented. This includes new approaches, standards, protocols, ethics in this work and how to build sustainable career paths for those looking to work with people and animals. The conference also featured noted thought leaders Dr. Karin Hediger of Switzerland, Dr. Patria Pendry of the United States, and Dr. Lisa Maria Glenk of Austria. These experts offered dynamic keynotes to a highly engaged audience. View the Conference Program >

Professional Ties Spanning the Globe

Green Chimneys’ connection to IAHAIO began several decades ago when Founders Dr. Samuel Ross and his wife Myra attended many IAHAIO conferences. Over the years they came to hold leadership positions within IAHAIO. There, they served as speakers and mentors in the then-emerging field of human-animal interaction. Ross Institute Director Michael Kaufmann is a current board member and chaired the Dutch committee for the two-day conference event.

The alignment between the two organizations has ensured a continued legacy of involvement. Kaufmann sees this as a key aspect of The Institute’s mission to collaborate with academic and scientific institutions, research and advocacy organizations, and governmental entities that share an interest in the diverse areas of animals and nature-based programming, and therapy in human service settings.

“It is a priority of Green Chimneys leadership that we advocate for our work with people and nature, and participate in global conversations about such practices,” says Kaufmann. “Through IAHAIO and conferences such as this, The Ross Institute is part of an international platform to help deepen the knowledge base, build collaboration, and enhance best practices in the field of animal-assisted services.”

Pictured: Dr. Marie-Jose Enders surrounded by IAHAIO board members at the 2025 conference in Amsterdam, NL.

The Sam and Myra Ross Institute extends warm congratulations to valued advisor, Dr. Marie-Jose Enders. She successfully completing her ten-year tenure as President of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO). Her research, advocacy, and adept leadership have made a significant impact on the work of IAHAIO. We know she will continue to shape the field of human-animal interactions.