PVM-led Conference Links Experts Virtually for International Dialogue on the Human-Animal Bond

A silhouette of a dog putting its paw on a woman's outstretched hand as they sit in the grass against a sunrise sky

The Purdue University Center for the Human-Animal Bond will host more than 1,800 participants from around the globe virtually next week for the 2021 Centers for the Human-Animal Bond Conference. The online conference November 4-5 will bring together a diverse collection of national and international academic human-animal interaction centers and institutes for a global, interdisciplinary conversation focused on advancement in this relatively new field of research.

The Centers for the Human-Animal Bond (CHAB) Conference first was held in 2006 at Purdue, and in 2016 a ten-year follow-up conference continued the conversation. Both of these previous conferences resulted in special issues in peer-reviewed journals (2008 in JVME and 2018 in HAIB), and this year’s conference will seek to continue that legacy.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor of Human-Animal Interaction Maggie O’Haire said the 2021 CHAB Conference provides a vital opportunity to bring together multiple national and international academic human-animal interaction centers and institutes. “The conference will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary conversation with substantial opportunities for the exchange and discussion of new ideas for future research on animal assisted interventions and additional dimensions of the human-animal bond,” Dr. O’Haire said.  She further explained that the periodic and structured dialogue and coordination by multi-disciplinary and geographically diverse human-animal interaction centers are critical to accelerating the advancement of the field and collaboration across disciplines, leading to further understanding of the physiological, psychological, and cultural implications of the human-animal bond.

The first day of the conference, Thursday, November 4, is free and open to the public and will include two plenary speakers and a panel discussion in the morning, a “Lunch and Learn” with center directors during the lunch hour, and two additional plenary speakers in the afternoon.  During the Lunch and Learn session, representatives of world-class centers and institutions from around the globe will provide an overview of their organizations and the work they are accomplishing.  Click here to view a complete list of speakers and topics.

The conference is able to offer the day-long session that is open to the public with free registration thanks to generous sponsorships from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare. Additional support for the conference is provided by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for the Human-Animal Bond and the university’s Office of the Provost. Registration is still available online at: vet.purdue.edu/ce/chab.php.

The conference will continue for a second day on Friday, November 5, with closed sessions that are limited to only invited leaders in the field of human-animal interaction.

Click here to learn more about the 2021 Centers for the Human Animal Bond Conference.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, our appreciation is extended to Dr. Dielson Vieira who is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences.

When Therapy Isn’t Enough

Emma Senter, a Purdue University Department of Psychological Sciences junior, has always considered herself an animal person. So, when she had the opportunity to join the Human-Animal Partnerships and Interactions (HAPI) Lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine, she jumped at the chance.

PVM Collaborates with Indianapolis Zoo to Host Emerging Conservationist Award Winner at Lynn Hall

Purdue veterinary students had a unique chance this week to hear first-hand from one of the world’s leading conservationists who is making a significant impact while still early in his career.  Through a collaborative arrangement with the Indianapolis Zoo, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a visit by Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, the winner of the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award, on Monday, September 29, so he could share his message with Purdue DVM students.

Career Fair Connects PVM Students with Future Opportunities

Close to 75 veterinary medical employers, ranging from individual veterinary practices to corporate enterprises, sent representatives to Purdue University for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual Career Fair for DVM and Veterinary Technology students. Held in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms Friday afternoon, September 19, the event attracted a strong turnout of students excited to learn about future career opportunities.