IAHAIO's activities

IAHAIO is an acronym for the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. It is an international umbrella organization for all organizations within its field. IAHAIO is recognized as the official international NGO (non-governmental organization, an organization that is independent from the State, namely without interest in profit and based on voluntary initiatives) in its field by the United Nations, WHO and UNESCO.

IAHAIO was founded by four organizations in 1990. Today IAHAIO consists of 22 permanent member organizations and 15 associate members. Manimalis has been a member since 1991. To be associated to IAHAIO an organization has to share their mission: "To promote research, education and sharing of information about human-animal interaction and the unique role that animals play in human well-being and quality of life." Members as Delta Society in the US, SCAS in England and Afirac in France are all predecessors within its areas.

Uniting these organizations serves the purpose of creating a stronger platform for the organizations to influence society. It also enhances the exchanging of experiences between the member organizations. An important goal for IAHAIO is to spread research results about the positive effects pets have on humans and to stimulate and simplify further research possibilities. In order to reach this goal IAHAIO wants to promote research, education and sharing of information about human-animal interaction and the unique role that animals play in human well-being and quality of life.