Meet the AAI Leader, Dr. Nancy Gee

Meet the AAI Leader, Dr. Nancy Gee

January 31, 2023

Dr. Nancy Gee presented to the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP).  You can watch her presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UahKcBsnZLg

Unleashing well-being [Audio podcast episode]

Unleashing well-being [Audio podcast episode]

October 8, 2023

Dr. Nancy Gee completed an extensive interview for the podcast Bestie Bonds.  To listen, use the link below.

Henry, A. J. (Host). (2023, October 8). Unleashing well-being [Audio podcast episode]. In Beastiebonds. https://beastiebonds.com/episodes/unleashing-well-being-344

Therapy dogs in hospitals: Challenges and need for veterinary involvement [Presentation]

Therapy dogs in hospitals: Challenges and need for veterinary involvement [Presentation]

September 25, 2023

Barker, S. (2023, September 25). Therapy dogs in hospitals: Challenges and need for veterinary involvement [Presentation]. Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.

Loneliness, social isolation, and companion animals [Presentation]

Loneliness, social isolation, and companion animals [Presentation]

September 21, 2023

Gee, N.R. (2023, September 21). Loneliness, social isolation, and companion animals [Presentation]. Pet Week on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. https://petnight.com/view-session?v=dd764081-1c16-11ee-850b-008cfa0325cc

Do pets really make people happier and healthier?

Do pets really make people happier and healthier?

September 19, 2023

National Geographic interviewed Dr. Nancy Gee for an HAI article!

Austin, D. (2023, September 19). Do pets really make people happier and healthier? National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/benefits-pet-dog-ownership-mental-health

 How companion animals can participate in treatment of mental illness.

How companion animals can participate in treatment of mental illness.

September 1, 2023

Gee, N. R., Townsend, L., Findling, R. L. (2023, September). How companion animals can participate in treatment of mental illness.  Psychiatric News, 58(9), 23-26. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.09.9.35

 

"Dogs on Call": A community-engaged human subjects training with hospital...

September 9, 2023

Townsend, L., Towsley, N., & Gee, N.R. (2023, September 3). "Dogs on Call": A community-engaged human subjects training with hospital based therapy dog teams. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 18(5), 363-371. https://doi.org/10.1177/15562646231191962

The Happy Pod, BBC Global News

The Happy Pod, BBC Global News

August 19, 2023

Dr. Nancy Gee was interviewed on HAI for BBC Global News's The Happy Pod.  To interview begins at ~22 minutes and 55 seconds.

Leonard, J. (Host). (2023, August 19). The disabled TV director pushing for change [Audio podcast episode].  In The Happy Pod. BBC Global News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0g7jxtd

Weekly Dose of Wonder: Spending time with a dog can be good for your health [Radio broadcast]

Weekly Dose of Wonder: Spending time with a dog can be good for your health [Radio broadcast]

August 19, 2023

Dr. Gee was interviewed for the Weekly Dose of Wonder on NPR's nationally syndicated radioshow All Things Considered!

Godoy, M. (2023, August 2). Weekly Dose of Wonder: Spending time with a dog can be good for your health [Radio broadcast]. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/02/1191671789/weekly-dose-of-wonder-spending-time-with-a-dog-can-be-good-for-your-health

'D' is for dog. How trained reading dogs support literacy programs [Webinar]

'D' is for dog. How trained reading dogs support literacy programs [Webinar]

July 13, 2023

Gee, N. R. (2023, July 13). 'D' is for dog. How trained reading dogs support literacy programs [Webinar]. International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations.

Dogs on Call visit CBS 6

Dogs on Call visit CBS 6

May 18, 2024

WTVR CBS6. (2023, May 18). Dogs on Call visit CBS 6 [Video]. Yahoo! Life. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/dogs-call-visit-cbs-6-150419862.html

New book highlights VCU Dogs on Call as a model program

New book highlights VCU Dogs on Call as a model program

April 13, 2023

Tupponce, J. (2023, April 13). New book highlights VCU Dogs on Call as a model program: VCU School of Medicine faculty edit a new book on how animals may help in the treatment of mental illness. The book is the first of its kind published by the American Psychiatric Association. VCU News. https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/new-book-highlights-vcu-dogs-on-call-as-a-model-program

Best practice standards in AAI - Risk Assessment [Presentation]

Best practice standards in AAI - Risk Assessment [Presentation]

April 4, 2023

Gee, N.R. (2023, April 4). Best practice standards in AAI - Risk Assessment [Presentation]. Animal Assisted Intervention and Interactions Certificate Program at the University of North Florida.

Reimagining healthcare: Human–animal bond support as a primary, secondary, and tertiary public health intervention.

Reimagining healthcare: Human–animal bond support as a primary, secondary, and tertiary public health intervention.

March 27, 2023

Hoy-Gerlach, J., & Townsend, L. (2023, March 27). Reimagining healthcare: Human–animal bond support as a primary, secondary, and tertiary public health intervention. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(7). http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075272

Companion Animals [Audio podcast episode]

Companion Animals [Audio podcast episode]

March 3, 2023

Dr. Nancy Gee was featured in the podcast Psychiatry Unbound, published by American Psychiatric Association publishing.

Roberts, L. (Host). (2023, March 3). Companion Animals [Audio podcast episode]. In Psychiatry Unbound. American Psychiatric Association Publishing. https://psychiatryonline.org/psychiatry-unbound/022-companion-animals

Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials. Human-Animal Interactions.

Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials. Human-Animal Interactions.

March 1, 2023

Rodriguez, K.E., Green, F.L.L., Binfet, J., Towsend, L., Gee, N. R. (2023, March). Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials. Human-Animal Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2023.000

Rounds with hounds: Medical students research and participate in dog therapy via VCU’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction

Rounds with hounds: Medical students research and participate in dog therapy via VCU’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction

March 3, 2023

VCU News features an article about Dogs on Call and the four-week, fourth-year elective rotation that medical students are able to complete at the Center for Human-Animal Interaction.

Kruszewski, J. (2023, March 3). Rounds with hounds: Medical students research and participate in dog therapy via VCU’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction. VCU News. https://news.vcu.edu/article/2023/03/medical-students-research-dog-therapy-via-vcus-center-for-human-animal-interaction

Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials.

Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials.

March 10, 2023

Rodriguez, K.E., Green, F.L.L., Binfet, J., Townsend, L., Gee, N.R. (2023, March). Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials. Human-Animal Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2023.0004

Episode 22 of Psychiatry Unbound: Companion Animals

Episode 22 of Psychiatry Unbound: Companion Animals

March 3, 2023

Dr. Gee was recently interviewed on the American Psychiatric Association's official podcast, Psychiatry Unbound.  Dr. Gee discussed her recent book, The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders and the episode can be listened to for free using the link below.

Roberts, L. (Host). (2023, March 3). Companion Animals (22) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psychiatry Unbound. American Psychiatric Association Publishing. https://psychiatryonline.org/psychiatry-unbound/022-companion-animals

‘Dogs on Call’ brings paw-sitivity to VCU’s Medical Center

‘Dogs on Call’ brings paw-sitivity to VCU’s Medical Center

March 2, 2023

ABC8 interviewed Dr. Gee and some of our wonderful Dogs on Call teams about CHAI's Dogs on Call therapy dog program.

Barefoot, A. (2023, March 2). ‘Dogs on Call’ brings paw-sitivity to VCU’s Medical Center. WRIC ABC8 News. https://www.wric.com/community/positively-richmond/dogs-on-call-brings-paw-sitivity-to-vcus-medical-center/

A Dogs on Call Valentine's Day

A Dogs on Call Valentine's Day

February 14, 2023

Take a look at another wonderful Dogs on Call Valentine's Day video, produced by VCU's Enterprise Marketing and Communications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkmO1THDoA8

Head of the Pack: VCU collaborates on a study showing dogs make students calmer, better in the classroom

Head of the Pack: VCU collaborates on a study showing dogs make students calmer, better in the classroom

February 10, 2023

CHAI's Director, Dr. Nancy Gee, was interviewed by Richmond Magazine about the benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings.

Small, L. (2023, February 10). Head of the pack. Richmond Magazine. https://richmondmagazine.com/news/education/dogs-in-classrooms/

A Shot of Cheer: Hospital programs bring smiles to children’s faces

A Shot of Cheer: Hospital programs bring smiles to children’s faces

February 5, 2023

Richmond Magazine recognized our Dogs on Call program and the other wonderful programs in the area.

Egocheaga, A. (2023, February 5). A shot of cheer. Richmond Magazine. https://richmondmagazine.com/news/sunday-story/a-shot-of-cheer/

The role of companion animals in the treatment of mental disorders

The role of companion animals in the treatment of mental disorders

February 1, 2023

Congratulation to CHAI's Director, CHAI's Clinical and Research Associate, and to the chair of VCU's Department of Psychiatry on the publication of their most recent book!  The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders is the first book of its kind that is published by the American Psychiatric Association!

Gee, N.R., Townsend, L., & Findling, R. (Eds). (2023). The role of companion animals in the treatment of mental disorders. American Psychiatric Association. 

All of the editors for this book have donated their royalties to the Center for Human-Animal Animal Interaction; every purchase supports CHAI and Dogs on Call!  Copies are available for purchase from several major book sellers, including that you can purchase directly from the American Psychiatric Association using this link: https://www.appi.org/Products/General-Interest/Role-of-Companion-Animals-in-the-Treatment-of-Ment

Pet ownership and maintenance of physical function in older adults - evidence from the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging (BLSA)

Pet ownership and maintenance of physical function in older adults - evidence from the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging (BLSA)

December 25, 2022

Friedmann, E., Gee, N.R., Simonsick, E.M., Barr, E., Resnick, B., Werthman, E., & Adesanya, I. (2022). Pet ownership and maintenance of physical function in older adults - evidence from the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging (BLSA). Innovation in Aging. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac080

With Good Reason's The Pets We Love

With Good Reason's The Pets We Love

October 14, 2022

Dr. Gee was recently interviewed by With Good Reason, a podcast that is heavily syndicated across the United States on NPR.

McConnell, S. (Executive Producer). (2022, October 14). The Pets We Love [Audio podcast episode]. In With Good Reason. Virginia Humanities. https://www.withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/the-pets-we-love/

Defining Terms Used for Animals Working in Support Roles for People with Support Needs

Defining Terms Used for Animals Working in Support Roles for People with Support Needs

August 4, 2022

As a leading expert on Human-Animal Interaction, CHAI's Dr. Gee was selected to help author an article that endeavored to more-clearly define foundational HAI terminology.

Howell, T.J., Nieforth, L., Thomas-Pino, C., Samet, L., Agbonika, S., Cuevas-Pavincich, F., Fry, N.E., … Gee, N.R. et al. (2022). Defining terms used for animals working in support roles for people with support needs. Animals, 12(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151975

Can dog-assisted and relaxation interventions boost spatial ability in children with and without special educational needs? A longitudinal, randomized controlled trial

Can dog-assisted and relaxation interventions boost spatial ability in children with and without special educational needs? A longitudinal, randomized controlled trial

July 29, 2022

Brelsford, V.L., Dimolareva, M., Rowan, E., Gee, N.R., Meints, K. (2022). Can dog-assisted and relaxation interventions boost spatial ability in children with and without special educational needs? A longitudinal, randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Pediatrics 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.886324

Can dogs reduce stress levels in school children?

Can dogs reduce stress levels in school children?

July 5, 2022

Meints, K., Brelsford, V.L., Dimolareva, M., Maréchal, L., Pennington, K., Rowan, E., Gee, N.R. (2022). Can dogs reduce stress levels in school children? effects of dog-assisted interventions on salivary cortisol in children with and without special educational needs using randomized controlled trials. PLOS ONE 17(6): e0269333. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269333

Dogs on Call volunteer recognized as a

Dogs on Call volunteer recognized as a "Hometown Hero"

June 22, 2022

Allen, Allen, Allen, & Allen and CBS6 recognized one of CHAI's Dogs on Call handlers as a "Hometown Hero."

Allen, Allen, Allen, & Allen. (2022). Allen & Allen Hometown Heroes 2022. https://www.allenandallen.com/about/communityinvolvement/hometown-heroes-2022/ 

Dr. Sandra Barker featured in Brain & Life magazine

Dr. Sandra Barker featured in Brain & Life magazine

June 14, 2022

Dr. Sandra Barker, the founding director of CHAI, was featured in an article about the potential benefits of interacting with pets.  Dr. Barker reviews some of the evidence supporting that those who interact with pets experience less stress, and also makes reference to some of her own research.

CHAI and Dr. Nancy Gee featured in Everyday Health

CHAI and Dr. Nancy Gee featured in Everyday Health

May 2, 2022

CHAI and Dr. Nancy Gee featured in Everyday Health. Click here for more!

CHAI research and Dr. Randolph Barker featured in Forbes

CHAI research and Dr. Randolph Barker featured in Forbes

September 6, 2021

CHAI research and Dr. Randolph Barker featured in Forbes. Click here for more!

Dr. Randolph Barker featured in Telluride News

Dr. Randolph Barker featured in Telluride News

June 23, 2021

Dr. Randolph Barker, professor of management in the VCU School of Business and long time support of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction, was featured in the Telluride News article "Take Your Dog to Work Day."

To read the entire article, click here!

Women's Brain Health Initiative Magazine features Dr. Nancy Gee

Women's Brain Health Initiative Magazine features Dr. Nancy Gee

May 21, 2021

In the magazine Mind Over Matter, published by Women's Brain Health Initiative, Dr. Nancy Gee was interviewed in reference to the article "Animal Attraction: Pets can be Therapeutic for the Body & Soul".

Satellite Media Tour featuring Dr. Nancy Gee

Satellite Media Tour featuring Dr. Nancy Gee

May 25, 2021

A satellite media tour featuring CHAI Executive Director Dr. Nancy Gee was launched to promote upcoming research on animal-assisted therapy and loneliness. 

CHAI-Waltham Petcare Science Institute-HABRI Partnership Announced

CHAI-Waltham Petcare Science Institute-HABRI Partnership Announced

May 19, 2021

In an announcement event by Waltham Petcare Science Institute, it was announced that the Center for Human-Animal Interaction and the Dogs On Call program will be carrying out research that is "...an important step forward in answering key questions related to the possible impact of animal therapy on patients' recovery time and healthcare costs." To read the entire article and to watch the announcement video, click here!

Dr. Nancy Gee Featured in University Business

Dr. Nancy Gee Featured in University Business

May 17, 2021

Dr. Nancy Gee Featured in University Business

Dogs On Call Featured on WTVR Channel 6 News

Dogs On Call Featured on WTVR Channel 6 News

March 31, 2021

In a story written by Tracy Sears, the Dogs On Call staff and teams were featured on Channel 6 News WTVR. 

Dr. Nancy Gee Featured by The Straits Times

Dr. Nancy Gee Featured by The Straits Times

March 23, 2021

The Straights Times features Dr. Nancy Gee in "Learn How Furry Friends can Help with Therapy" 

Books, Barks, and Banter Group Features Q&A with Dr. Nancy Gee

Books, Barks, and Banter Group Features Q&A with Dr. Nancy Gee

February 16, 2021

The director of The Center, Dr. Nancy Gee, virtually joined Books, Barks, and Banter on Saturday, February 20th, 2021 to discuss her new book!
VCU News Features Dogs On Call

VCU News Features Dogs On Call

February 10, 2021

The Dogs On Call program was featured in the article "A Look at How the VCU Community is Sharing the Love and Giving Back in Difficult Times" on the VCU News website! 

Dogs On Call Featured in

Dogs On Call Featured in "A Doggone Good Story"

August 12, 2020

The Dogs on Call program was featured in an MCV Foundation newsletter story titled "A Doggone Good Story." 

Dr. Nancy Gee featured by the Canadian Institute of Animal-Assisted Interventions

Dr. Nancy Gee featured by the Canadian Institute of Animal-Assisted Interventions

July 29, 2020

CHAI Executive Director Dr. Nancy Gee was featured by the Canadian Institute of Animal-Assisted Interventions

Dr. Nancy Gee featured in

Dr. Nancy Gee featured in "Elders Owning Pet Dogs can Stay Active, Says Study".

July 8, 2020

Executive Director Dr. Nancy Gee was featured in an article by the NT Bureau titled Elders Owning Pet Dogs can Stay Active, Says Study

 

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Health Care Settings: A Best Practices Manual for Establishing New Programs

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Health Care Settings: A Best Practices Manual for Establishing New Programs

June 17, 2019

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction is proud to announce the publication of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Health Care Settings: A Best Practices Manual for Establishing New Programs by Purdue University Press.

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction's Sponsor Board

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction's Sponsor Board

May 31, 2019

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction thanks its sponsors with a special sponsor board

 

Dogs On Call 2019 Spring Interest Meeting

Dogs On Call 2019 Spring Interest Meeting

May 11, 2019

Dogs On Call invites all who are interested to learn more about how to become a volunteer therapy dog team in 2019!

 

 

April 2019 Paws for Stress

April 2019 Paws for Stress

April 29, 2019

Paws for Stress events were held with original campus-wide event at Student Commons, Honors College, Athletics and the School of Pharmacy. 

 

Blue and Green Day 2019

Blue and Green Day 2019

April 12, 2019

Our Dogs On Call therapy dogs and volunteers were honored to again participate in Donate Life America's Blue Green Day this year in partnership with the VCU Hume-Lee Transplant Center to Celebrate Life at VCU Health!

 

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Spring 2019

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Spring 2019

April 13, 2019

Dogs On Call teams joined Center staff for the biannual Volunteer Meeting and Appreciation Brunch. 

 

December 2018 Paws for Stress

December 2018 Paws for Stress

December 7, 2018

Along with the original Paws for Stress, Dogs On Call teams participated in a de-stress event with School of Pharmacy as well. 

 

 

 

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Autumn 2018

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Autumn 2018

November 3, 2018

Dogs On Call teams joined Center staff for the Autumn biannual Volunteer Meeting and Appreciation Lunch. 

 

Dogs On Call 2018 Autumn Interest Meeting

Dogs On Call 2018 Autumn Interest Meeting

November 2, 2018

Dogs On Call invites all who are interested to learn more about how to become a volunteer therapy dog team!

2019 Dogs On Call Calendar Sales Dates!

2019 Dogs On Call Calendar Sales Dates!

November 1, 2018

Tuesday, November 13th from 11:30-1:30pm, Gateway Ground Lobby

Friday, November 30th from 11:00-12:30pm, Main 1, The Learning Center

Tuesday, December 14th from 11:30-1:30pm, Main 1, The Learning Center

Friday, January 11th from 11:30-1:30pm, Main 1, The Learning Center

October 2018 Paws for Stress

October 2018 Paws for Stress

October 30, 2018

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to provide Virginia Commonwealth University Students with a chance to relax with therapy dogs before midterms. 

 

Pups on the Plaza 2018

Pups on the Plaza 2018

October 11, 2018

The 6th annual Pups on the Plaza event celebrated our Dogs On Call therapy dog program to fundraise for The Center. Staff from VCU Health, VCU, and VCU School of Medicine joined patients, students and the greater Richmond community for the festivities. 

 

 

 

Pups on the Plaza 2018 Event T-Shirt Reveal

Pups on the Plaza 2018 Event T-Shirt Reveal

September 27, 2018

The official Pups on the Plaza 2018 Event T-Shirt is here!

Save the Date for Pups on the Plaza 2018!

Save the Date for Pups on the Plaza 2018!

August 13, 2018

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction's Annual Pups on the Plaza event will be on Thursday, October 11th from 11am-2pm on 12th Street Plaza!

 

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction Sponsor Board

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction Sponsor Board

July 3, 2018

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction thanks its sponsors.

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Spring 2018

Biannual Volunteer Meeting Spring 2018

May 19, 2018

Dogs On Call teams joined Center staff for the biannual Volunteer Meeting and Appreciation Lunch. 

 

 

May 2018 Paws for Stress

May 2018 Paws for Stress

May 1, 2018

VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association sponsor the May 2018 Paws for Stress for VCU Students.  

 

 

Blue and Green Day 2018

Blue and Green Day 2018

April 13, 2018

Our Dogs On Call therapy dogs and volunteers were thrilled to participate in Donate Life America's Blue Green Day again this year in partnership with the VCU Hume-Lee Transplant Center to Celebrate Life at VCU Health!

 

 

The Rotary Club of Richmond Grant

The Rotary Club of Richmond Grant

April 3, 2018

The Rotary Club of Richmond provides Dogs On Call with a $5,000 grant.

March 2018 Paws for Stress

March 2018 Paws for Stress

March 12, 2018

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction again partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to provide Virginia Commonwealth University Students with a chance to relax with therapy dogs before midterms.

 

Petco Foundation's Helping Heroes Grant supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction for a second year

Petco Foundation's Helping Heroes Grant supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction for a second year

March 2, 2018

The Petco Foundation is supporting Dogs On Call for a second year to reach even more patients in need with a generous grant.

Dogs On Call 2018 Spring Interest Meeting

Dogs On Call 2018 Spring Interest Meeting

February 16, 2018

Dogs On Call invites all interested community members to learn more about volunteering as a therapy dog team!

 

 

The Tony Stewart Foundation's Accelerator Grant supports pediatric visitation

The Tony Stewart Foundation's Accelerator Grant supports pediatric visitation

February 10, 2018

The Tony Stewart Foundation's continuing support allows our Dogs On Call therapy dog teams to visit even more pediatric patients.

 

Dogs On Call teams up with VCU Police to deliver PetSmart Stuffed Animals

Dogs On Call teams up with VCU Police to deliver PetSmart Stuffed Animals

January 5, 2018

Thanks to Local PetSmart store #1051, Dogs On Call teams were able to be joined by the VCU Police Department to give out donated stuffed animals to patients in need for the third year in a row.

 

 

2018 Dogs On Call Calendar Sales Dates!

2018 Dogs On Call Calendar Sales Dates!

November 3, 2017

Tuesday, November 7th from 11:30-1:30pm, Gateway Ground Lobby

Friday, November 17th from 11:30-1:30pm, Main 1 Kiosk

Friday, December 1st from 11:30-1:30pm, Main 1 Learning Center

Friday, December 15th from 11:30-1:30pm, Children’s Pavilion Sky Lobby

Friday, January 5th from 11:30-1:30pm, Main 1 Learning Center

PetSmart Charities Supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

PetSmart Charities Supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

October 4, 2017

Thank you to PetSmart Charities for continued support!

Pups on the Plaza 2017

Pups on the Plaza 2017

September 28, 2017

The 5th annual Pups on the Plaza event brought members of the VCU, VCU Health, VCU School of Medicine and greater Richmond community together for an afternoon of delicious food, celebration and fun with volunteers from the Dogs On Call therapy dog program to fundraise for The Center.

Pups on the Plaza 2017 Event T-Shirt Reveal

Pups on the Plaza 2017 Event T-Shirt Reveal

August 29, 2017

The official Pups on the Plaza 2017 Event T-Shirt is here!

Save the Date for Pups on the Plaza 2017!

Save the Date for Pups on the Plaza 2017!

July 28, 2017

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction's Annual Pups on the Plaza event will be on Thursday, September 28th from 11am-2pm! 

Dogs On Call 2017 Spring Interest Meeting

Dogs On Call 2017 Spring Interest Meeting

May 4, 2017

Dogs On Call invites all interested community members to learn more about volunteering as a therapy dog team!

May 2017 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

May 2017 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

May 2, 2017

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to provide VCU Students with a stress-relieving study break with the Dogs on Call therapy dogs.  

Blue and Green Day with VCU Hume-Lee Transplant Center

Blue and Green Day with VCU Hume-Lee Transplant Center

April 21, 2017

Our Dogs On Call therapy dogs and volunteers were honored to participate in Donate Life America's Blue Green Day in partnership with the VCU Hume-Lee Transplant Center to Celebrate Life at VCU Health!

Maymont Children's Farm Re-Opening

Maymont Children's Farm Re-Opening

March 26, 2017

Our Dogs On Call were chosen by Maymont to participate in the Re-Opening of the Maymont Children's Farm on March 26th.

March 2017 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

March 2017 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

March 14, 2017

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to bring Dogs On Call therapy dog teams to VCU students at Monroe Park Campus ahead of midterms. 

VCU Health Dogs on Call program receives grant from Petco Foundation

VCU Health Dogs on Call program receives grant from Petco Foundation

February 24, 2017

The Petco Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s Center for Human-Animal Interaction.

Petco Foundation's Helping Heroes Grant supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

Petco Foundation's Helping Heroes Grant supports The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

February 24, 2017

The Petco Foundation is helping Dogs On Call extend our reach to countless patients in need with a generous grant.

Dogs On Call Deliver PetSmart Toys to Pediatric Patients

Dogs On Call Deliver PetSmart Toys to Pediatric Patients

January 6, 2017

Dogs On Call teams up again with Local PetSmart store #1051 to provide donated stuffed animals to patients in need for the second year.

VCU Dogs on Call program featured in new Animal Planet documentary series

VCU Dogs on Call program featured in new Animal Planet documentary series

December 21, 2016

Local tails will wag on Jan. 1 when Animal Planet features Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dogs on Call program as part of its new series, “Dogs: The Untold Story.”

Tony Stewart Foundation Accelerator Grant aids in expansion of Dogs on Call

Tony Stewart Foundation Accelerator Grant aids in expansion of Dogs on Call

December 19, 2016

The generosity of Tony Stewart Foundation grants our volunteer teams the opportunity to improve the health and well being of others through human-animal interaction.

December 2016 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

December 2016 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

December 5, 2016

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to help relieve stress prior to finals with the help of the Dogs on Call therapy dogs. Held at The Student Commons on the Monroe Park Campus, students visited with the dogs while Virginia Book Company provided free scantrons and blue books to students for exams. 

Dogs on Call 2017 Calendar

Dogs on Call 2017 Calendar

October 31, 2016

Sales and information about the beautiful Dogs On Call 2017 Calendar!

Friday, November 11th

11:30am-1:30pm, Kiosk,

Main 1 beside Medical Records

 

Friday, December 2nd

11:30am-1:30pm, The Learning Center,

Main 1 across from Au Bon Pain

 

Thursday, December 22nd

11:30am-1:30pm, The Learning Center,

Main 1 across from Au Bon Pain

October 2016 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

October 2016 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

October 31, 2016

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to bring Dogs On Call therapy dog teams to VCU students at Monroe Park Campus. Virginia Book Company provided free scantrons and blue books to students for exams. 

Mission Critical Health Features The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

Mission Critical Health Features The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

October 19, 2016

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction and its therapy dog program, Dogs On Call, are featured by Mission Critical Health as models for animal-assisted interventions in an acute health care setting.

Pups on the Plaza 2016

Pups on the Plaza 2016

September 29, 2016

The 4th annual Pups on the Plaza event brought members of the VCU, VCU Health, and greater Richmond community together for an afternoon of hotdogs, celebration and fun with volunteers from the Dogs On Call therapy dog program.

Upcoming event: Pups On The Plaza 2016

Upcoming event: Pups On The Plaza 2016

August 30, 2016

The Center for Human-Animal hosts the fourth annual Pups On The Plaza event.

Center Research Affiliates: Examining the Human-Animal Interaction

Center Research Affiliates: Examining the Human-Animal Interaction

June 28, 2016

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction forms a new research affiliate group.

Dogs On Call Spring Interest Meeting

Dogs On Call Spring Interest Meeting

April 25, 2016

Dogs On Call invites all interested community members to learn more about volunteering as a therapy dog team!

Tony Stewart Foundation Accelerator Grant brings more Dogs On Call to Pediatrics

Tony Stewart Foundation Accelerator Grant brings more Dogs On Call to Pediatrics

April 1, 2016

TONY STEWART FOUNDATION: Helping Children through Animals

Dogs On Call Deliver Toys to Patients at VCU Health

Dogs On Call Deliver Toys to Patients at VCU Health

February 9, 2016

Dogs On Call teams up with Local PetSmart store #1051 to deliver donated stuffed toys to patients in need.

Happy Holidays from The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

Happy Holidays from The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

December 25, 2015

 

We wish you Happy Holidays, and a bright and healthy New Year!

Dogs On Call 2016 Calendar

Dogs On Call 2016 Calendar

November 2, 2015

Sales and information about the beautiful Dogs On Call 2016 Calendar!

Pups on the Plaza 2015

Pups on the Plaza 2015

September 17, 2015

The 3rd annual Pups on the Plaza event brought members of the VCU, VCU Health, and greater Richmond community together for an afternoon of hotdogs, music and fun with volunteers from the Dogs On Call therapy dog program.

Upcoming event: Pups on the Plaza 2015

Upcoming event: Pups on the Plaza 2015

August 18, 2015

Tickets and Event T-Shirts available now for Pups on the Plaza 2015!

Medical Student Summer Institute in Psychiatry

Medical Student Summer Institute in Psychiatry

July 15, 2015

Dr. Sandra Barker presents to an international group of medical students on Animal Assisted Therapy. 

Annual Volunteer Meeting 2015

Annual Volunteer Meeting 2015

June 23, 2015

Dogs On Call teams joined Center staff for the annual Volunteer Meeting and Appreciation Dinner. 

Dogs On Call make Earth Day deliveries

Dogs On Call make Earth Day deliveries

April 22, 2015

Therapy dog teams make special book deliveries to pediatrics patients in celebration of Earth Day. 

General Assembly Welcomes Dogs On Call

General Assembly Welcomes Dogs On Call

March 19, 2015

Virginia lawmakers welcome Dogs On Call to The General Assembly.

Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons on Monroe Park Campus.

Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons on Monroe Park Campus.

December 11, 2014

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction partners with VCU University Counseling Services and the Student Government Association to bring Dogs On Call therapy dog teams to VCU students at Monroe Park Campus.