Iowa Human - Animal Bond Society

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Training, Animals

Mission: Our mission: ​ ​To be a valued provider of animal assisted interventions (AAI) to Iowa skilled nursing and long-term care communities, residential care communities, hospice, mental health care and counseling facilities, rehabilitation facilities, public libraries, schools, and state-based crisis intervention and disaster response teams. IHABS is a valuable resource to Iowa school systems, providing human-animal bond educational opportunities, animal safety programming, and animal assisted education. We support research initiatives focused on the human-animal bond, demonstrating the wide-reaching positive effects of human-animal interactions. We strive to be a source of attainable education and support and, through our programming and services, to promote the benefits of registered therapy animal teams and human-animal interactions as a means to improve health and well-being while advocating for the professionalization of animal assisted interventions. We are an advocate for volunteering within care communities with the intent of increasing the volunteer population within the state of Iowa. We endeavor to create a strong sense of community and partnership between those we serve, our partners and supporters, volunteers, and registered therapy animal teams.

Community Stories

6 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Madison B.1, General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

01/22/2020

IHABS is an incredible nonprofit, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. I have personally attended a class that the director taught herself, and I was amazed at how much I learned. My family has always studied all things "dog," but attending that class made me realize that there is a whole other amazing, beautiful side to what those incredible animals can do along side their humans. That particular class spoke on therapy dogs and how they benefit the lives of those they visit. The director was and is welcoming, kind, and intelligent. She always seems to be bettering herself by being the most up-date-date on anything she's studying. I have an Australian cattle dog (blue heeler), and I can call her to ask her anything I might be wondering. I am always greeted with a positive, non-judgmental atmosphere. You honestly couldn't ask for a better non-profit than IHABS. Five starts isn't a enough!

Dan.ette Board Member

Rating: 5

01/22/2020

My intend was not to train Baxter to be a therapy dog, but after puppy school, walking around my neighborhood, and playing at a local dog park, numerous people commented on how well he interacted with kids, adults and other dogs. Others said he would be a great therapy dog, so I decided to explore the concept. After much research, I found IHABS at the top of my list. I not only loved the class, Baxter did too! I was hooked! I love the mission and vision of IHABS and I highly encourage others to check it out! After a year of Baxter and I being a therapy dog team, I am taking on a role on the Board and looking forward to more volunteer opportunities for Baxter and I.

SamanthaLynne Board Member

Rating: 5

01/22/2020

I am a volunteer trainer with and board member of IHABS, and I cannot say enough about the organization's professionalism, integrity, knowledge of animal behavior, and dedication to pets and their people. IHABS' mission is crystal clear - they provide fear-free, force-free training and truly educate pet owners in a fun, caring environment. When I decided to gain more experience as a dog trainer and found IHABS, I knew there was no need to look anywhere else - in no time at all, I completed my registration with the AKC as an evaluator, taught Puppy Class, and attended a seminar on the science behind dog behavior and clicker training, and all of this will further my education. Whether you're interested in the basics of puppy training, helping your dog walk on a leash, learning more about pet enrichment, getting private lessons, or registering your pet as a therapy or crisis response animal, IHABS is THE place to go.

1

majorgenson Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/19/2020

As a volunteer and board member, I know IHABS is an excellent provider of dog training classes, therapy dog services, and educating the public about dog safety, etc. The Executive Director is very knowledgeable and passionate about the work of IHABS. I love that they take a fear-free and force-free approach to training and handling animals. They also provide the most comprehensive information and training available in the area for those interested in volunteering as a therapy animal team. There are many individuals who benefit from the therapy dog teams who volunteer through IHABS. I love volunteering with my dog and bringing joy to others.

2

dmdev Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/18/2020

I've taken many classes here and saw an immediate difference from other organizations. What stood out is the focus on positive, force-free training, science-based learning, and a strong emphasis on preparing people to volunteer in different scenarios.

1

magpie29 Board Member

Rating: 5

01/18/2020

IHABS has allowed me to pursue my passion and create opportunities for growth, not just for myself but those who join me in this mission. I have been able to volunteer regularly within my community, ensuring I do more to improve the well-being of others.

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