The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

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Richmond, VA
The Center for Human-Animal Interaction

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction at VCU School of Medicine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization housed in the Department of Psychiatry.

Founded in June 2001, our mission is improved health and well being through human-animal interaction. CHAI's research goal is to increase knowledge of the benefits of the human-animal interaction through interdisciplinary research. We are a recognized pioneer in the area of researching health benefits of human-animal interaction with many studies published internationally in scholarly journals. CHAI's clinical goal is to enhance health and well being through animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and pet visitation. Our popular therapy dog program, Dogs On Call (www.facebook.com/dogsoncall), provides visits to patients throughout the VCU Medical Center and our research documents the positive impact of these visits. We also provide pet loss counseling groups for clients of participating veterinary and other facilities. CHAI's educational goal is to improve understanding of the benefits of the human-animal interaction. We provide guest lectures in educational settings, occasional practicum or internships, and are often invited to make presentations to local, national, and international audiences.

03/19/2026

“I brought H.I. to visit a young patient paralyzed below the neck who had not spoken since his admission. Communicating with eye blinks, the patient consented to having H.I. on his bed. Placed at the foot of the bed, H.I. gently walked to the patient's head, lying with his body circling the patient's head. The patient smiled and began rolling his head from side to side against H.I. and the dog did the same. I was later informed that when the young man's parents arrived, his first words were, ‘I want a dog.’”

- Shared by Dr. Sandra Barker

03/16/2026

03/15/2026

It’s National Animal Poison Prevention Week. 🚫 Keep chocolate, birch bark aka xylitol (gum), grapes, onions, and certain plants out of reach! Our dogs are smart, but their noses can get them into trouble. Keep them safe so they can keep helping others.

03/13/2026

Saluting our K9 colleagues today. 🎖️ While our therapy dogs fight stress, K9 Veterans served in the military to protect us. We honor their service and bravery.

03/03/2026

Ears up! 🐰 It’s World Hearing Day. Dogs are famous for their hearing (especially when a treat bag opens), but today reminds us to care for our own hearing health. We’re listening to the patients, staff, and visitors every day!

03/02/2026

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend.” 📚 Happy Read Across America Day! Our dogs are great listeners—perfect for children practicing their reading skills. What’s on your reading list?

03/01/2026

Kicking off Women’s History Month! 💪 We celebrate the incredible women in medicine, our female handlers, and the women who lead our organization. Thank you for your strength and compassion.

02/26/2026

Thanks to WTVR CBS 6 News for their wonderful coverage of the research CHAI has been doing as well as the Dogs On Call program!

02/25/2026

Celebrating innovation and brilliance today! 🧪 From medical breakthroughs to better patient care, we honor the African-American scientists who have paved the way. Our dogs are proud to support the medical teams following in their footsteps.

02/22/2026

Today is the start of National Justice for Animals Week. 🐾 We advocate for kindness and welfare for all animals.

02/20/2026

It’s Love Your Pet Day! (We thought that was every day?) 🥰 Give your fur babies extra love from us. Tell us in the comments: what’s your pet’s favorite way to be loved? Scratches? Walks? Treats?

Address

1200 E Broad Street
Richmond, VA
23298

Website

http://www.chai.vcu.edu/

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Our Story

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI) was established in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in June of 2001, and was the first Center of its kind in the nation to be established in a School of Medicine. CHAI accomplishes its mission through several core programs and offered services.

CHAI's research goal is to increase knowledge of the benefits of the human-animal interaction through interdisciplinary research. We are a recognized pioneer in the area of researching health benefits of human-animal interaction with many studies published internationally in scholarly journals. CHAI's clinical goal is to enhance health and well being through animal-assisted interventions (AAI). Our therapy dog program, Dogs On Call (www.facebook.com/dogsoncall), provides visits to patients, their families and staff throughout the VCU Medical Center and other VCU Health facilities. Our research documents the positive impact of these visits with 99% of patients finding the visits helpful. CHAI's educational goal is to improve understanding of the benefits of the human-animal interaction. We provide guest lectures in educational settings, occasional practicum or internships, and are often invited to make presentations to local, national, and international audiences.