The Problem
The Day of Human-Animal Interaction is a one-day community-oriented event (i.e. Service-Learning activity connected with the Animal Psychology class) , organized by the School of Psychology and Sciences of Education (Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca) and the School of Veterinary Medicine (University of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Cluj-Napoca). The event marks the International Day of Children, by offering them the possibility to experience human-animal interactions in a responsible and compassion-based manner.
Our Plan
The Day of Human-Animal Interactions (#DHAI) event is organized outdoor in the Campus of Veterinary Medicine School in Cluj-Napoca and it aims to promote the idea of humane education in Romania, by bringing together more than 150 undergraduate and master students in Psychology, Biology and Veterinary Medicine, alongside with experts in the area of human-animal interactions (including animal-assisted therapy), representatives of local NGOs in the fields of animal rescue and inclusive services for persons with special needs, as well as members of the local community, i.e. children with their pets (and family members). Based on the huge participation rate to the indoor version of the event (28th of February 2019), we expect more than 2000 attendees to #DHAI event on the 1st of June, as well as a very high visibility in the local and national media.
The main objective of the #DHAI event is to promote the responsible ownership and to facilitate the development of favorable attitudes toward animals and nature, by involving the community members in a series of activities, such as: free counseling on the management of human-animal interactions, dog-dancing, free therapeutic interactions with dogs and horses, free riding lessons for children, educational workshops on adoption and rehabilitation of animals, sensorial exercises with animals, meaningful and thematic face-painting, guided interactions with seeing-eye dogs, agility exercises with dogs, free guided visits of the Parasitology Department, Aquarium and Emergency Veterinary Clinique, and workshops on the needs of companion animals (including exotic pets). The entrance to the event is free. The event is organized on volunteering bases, with no particular funds to support it.
More details on the agenda of the event are presented here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1366426793506508/?active_tab=about
