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.

11/20/2025

Today’s research focus explores the long-term benefits of early childhood exposure to animals. Findings suggest it is related to the development of empathy, reduced occurrence of allergies, and improved social-emotional development. Understanding these connections helps us advocate for positive human-animal interactions from a young age.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic about the long-term benefits of early childhood exposure to animals. The photo shows a young child in a hospital bed petting a therapy dog. A smiling woman is kneeling next to the dog, also petting it. The text "long-term benefits of early childhood exposure to animals" is overlaid on the image.]

11/11/2025

On Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We also recognize the profound bond between veterans and their service dogs and pet dogs, who provide unwavering support and comfort. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for Veterans Day. The words "Thank You VETERANS" are at the top, followed by the date "11 November 2025." A dog with a small American flag in its mouth is running, with a silhouette of a saluting person in front of a large American flag.]

11/07/2025

Today is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, a critical part of Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Lymphoma is a common canine cancer, but early detection can make a significant difference. Talk to your vet about symptoms and screening. Together, we can fight for our dogs’ health.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. The background is a light, world-map pattern. Two light-green awareness ribbons are shown in the foreground. The text reads "NATIONAL CANINE LYMPHOMA AWARENESS DAY."]

11/04/2025

Today is Election Day! Your voice matters. Head to the polls and make your vote count. When you get home, we’re sure your furry co-pilot will be ready to greet you, no matter the outcome.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for "Election Day 2025." The top of the image shows a waving American flag with stars. Below that, a dog's paw is shown in the foreground, pressing down on a paper ballot with a checkmark in one of the boxes. The text "ELECTION DAY 2025" is large and prominent.]

11/01/2025

Welcome to November! This month brings crucial awareness to two important topics: Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Senior Pet Month. Let’s commit to early detection for cancer and providing the best care for our wise, older companions. Close observation of changing behaviors and regular vet check-ups are key for both!

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Senior Pet Month. On the left is a purple circle with a yellow ribbon and a red heart. On the right, a portrait-style photo shows the head and shoulders of a tan dog looking slightly to the side. The titles "Pet Cancer Awareness Month" and "Senior Pet Month" are on the top left and top right of the graphic.]

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from our Dogs on Call teams! Remember to keep your pets safe this spooky season. Keep candy out of reach and help your dog join the fun by sporting a fun bandana instead of a cumbersome or restrictive costume. Have a fa-boo-lous and safe night!

[Image Alt Text: A Halloween graphic with the text "HAPPY HOWL-OWEEN" across the top. Below the text, a group of five therapy dogs of different breeds stand together on a cloudy, misty surface. The bottom text reads "FROM THE PUPS AT DOGS ON CALL." The image is framed by spiderwebs and a spider.]

10/29/2025

Did you know that animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce perceived pain levels in patients? Understanding this helps us refine our Dogs on Call program for maximum impact.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic with the title "Animal-Assisted Therapy" and the text "can significantly reduce perceived pain levels in patients." The graphic is a collage of six photos showing therapy dogs visiting patients in a hospital setting. The photos show various dogs interacting with people of different ages, some in beds and others in chairs.]

10/13/2025

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the traditional connections to land, community, and all living beings, including the animals who have shared their journeys through generations.

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for Indigenous Peoples Day. The background is a vibrant purple with orange flowers and butterflies. The text reads "October 9 is INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY" in large, orange and yellow letters.]

10/09/2025

It’s Animal Welfare Week! Beyond providing love and care, what’s one simple action you take to ensure the welfare of animals in your community? From advocating for responsible pet policies to teaching children when and how to interact with animals, every effort counts! Tell us below!

[Image Alt Text: A black and white photo of a person wearing a face mask bending down to pet a small dog. To the right, a large green block contains the text "Animal Welfare Week."]

10/06/2025

On Child Health Day, we celebrate the well-being of our youngest community members. Did you know interacting with therapy dogs can have incredible benefits for children’s emotional and physical health, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm? Our Dogs on Call teams witness these positive impacts daily!

[Image Alt text: A graphic with a photo of a therapy dog visiting a hospital. A young child in a pink shirt is looking at the camera, while an adult is on the left petting a golden retriever in the foreground. The graphic includes the text "Improve your child's health today" and a large title, "Child Health Day."]

10/02/2025

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the incredible Dr. Jane Goodall, a true pioneer who revolutionized our understanding of animals and the human-animal bond (and who's favorite animal was a DOG!). Her groundbreaking work has been a profound inspiration for all of us at the Center for Human-Animal Interaction, and we will honor her legacy by continuing to champion ethical research, conservation, and compassionate interaction. Our thoughts are with Jane's family, the Jane Goodall Institute , and all who were touched by her life's work.

[Alt Text: An image with a blue sky background and white clouds, featuring a memorial for Jane Goodall. Text at the top reads "IN MEMORIAM JANE GOODALL APRIL 3, 1934 – OCTOBER 1, 2025." A white dove flies in the upper right corner. In the center, Jane Goodall is shown sitting with a chimpanzee next to her. She is smiling and wearing a light green shirt and khaki pants. A quote to her left states, "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves." At the bottom, "Center for Human-Animal Interaction ®" and "chai.vcu.edu" are displayed against a blue band.]

09/20/2025

Happy Responsible Dog Ownership Day! This is the perfect lead-in to National Dog Week, which starts tomorrow! Let’s celebrate the special bond we share and commit to being the best dog parents we can be. From regular vet visits to consistent training and great nutrition, every action makes a difference. What’s one thing you do as a responsible dog owner?

[Image Alt Text: A graphic for National Dog Week. A black and brown doodle is the featured photo. The graphic includes a large red paw print in the corner and the text "NATIONAL DOG WEEK."]

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.