Human-animal interaction, animal-assisted intervention

Maggie O'Haire
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Maggie O'Haire, Purdue University assistant professor of human-animal interaction in the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Comparative Pathobiology, can talk about the bond that exists between humans and their pets. She recently received a grant from the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation to lead a first-of-its-kind controlled scientific study to measure the effects of service dogs on post 9-11 war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. She has previously received funding from the National Institutes of Health to conduct research on the effects of animals in school classrooms for children with autism and their peers.

O'Haire can discuss:

• The therapeutic value of animals for humans, for multiple populations including the general public, children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and families.
• The unique and pervasive effects of human interactions with animals in homes, schools and elsewhere.
• The effects of classroom-based, animal-assisted intervention for children with autism and their peers.
• Service dogs for veterans with PTSD and their families. 

Contact: Maggie O'Haire, mohaire@purdue.edu