OUR MISSION: Improving the quality of life for people of all ages through the therapeutic use of companion animals.

Who We Serve

Please select a group from the list below to view more information.

• School age children
  

  Human-animal teams in Front Range and Denver metro schools work closely with special educators, psychologists, classroom teachers, counselors, and other school professionals to create AAT programs that have been identified by teachers and parents to meet educational and therapeutic goals. Typical areas of need in K-12 and alternative schools include: motivation, respect, problem-solving, self-esteem, emotional needs, social/emotional, behavior control, empathy, and gross/fine motor skills.

  In addition, HABIC and selected human-animal teams are part of a crisis response group with Thompson School District.

  "This program probably made the greatest difference in Aaron's life and therefore in the life of the family."
  - PDr. Janice Nerger, experimental psychologist, and mother of an emotionally challenged student

• Hospital patients
  

  Animal-assisted activity teams bring comfort to patients of all ages and their families in general medical, pediatric, oncology, orthopedic, obstetrics, surgical, and intensive care waiting areas. Animal-assisted therapy teams collaborate over time with physical and occupational therapists in medical and psychological rehabilitation units to help patients achieve treatment goals.

• Long-term care patients
  

  Working with facility staff, HABIC teams are able to provide both AAA and AAT services to persons in long-term care, residential treatment centers, correctional programs, and other facilities, as well as those undergoing intervention services. Volunteers, animals, and residents alike benefit from the long-lasting and meaningful relationships fostered in weekly visitation programs.

  "The dog takes you, and stays with you, and he doesn't get in a hurry."
  -Eleanor, resident in a long-term care facility

• Hospice patients
  

  With the help of hospice-trained human-animal teams, the terminally ill and their loved ones are able to make a more peaceful transition. The unconditional love of a HABIC animal offers an opportunity to express fears about mortality, a means to connect patient and family, and a welcome reminder of joyful times.

  "If we can utilize animal-assisted therapy to alleviate pain and anxiety, if we can provide comfort to the family members, then our goals have been met."
  -Sue Sabas, Master of Social Work, Hospice