ABOUT US
The International Community of Anthrozoology
was established in Norway 2004 and is an inclusive and dynamic alliance. Our goal is to build a social and professional network, promote AAI - animal assisted interventions in the international community, and enrich people’s knowledge and skills in AAI. The platform is initiated and carried out by professionals in Norway, however, the content is a contribution from experts all over the world.
To promote animal welfare under the principles of One Health for practitioners, researchers and educators in the field of human-animal interactions
ICofA is dedicated to improving the lives of both humans and animals through the integration of a worldwide community for people in the field of human-animal interactions.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our core values
It's important for us to collaborate across countries and cultures,
to ensure the welfare of the animals we work with, the quality effect of interventions and
together help the AAI field grow.
We focus on positive reinforcement and building
a strong relationship between the animals and their handlers.
We believe this is an important foundation for success in AAI.
We focus on building AAI from a foundation of knowledge and expertise.
We want every interaction between humans and animals to be as enriching and prosperous as possible.
We try to see every clients individual needs and
make sure the interventions is tailored to them.
We share a love for people and animals and the joy of making
a difference in someone's life, however small or big.
Meet the team
Line Sandstedt
President of ICofA
She is a lector in science and a postgraduate in special needs education and coaching. Sandstedt is also a dog behaviourist and dog trainer, and screen dogs personality for AAI. Sandstedt gives courses in dog training both nationally and internationally. She is responsible for all of the education given by Dyrebar Omsorg, both dog training and training of human-animal teams. Line has worked for the organization since 2006.
Christine Olsen
Vice president and Manager
dr Christine Olsen has a master degree in ethology, higher education in special needs education and rehabilitation, and a PhD in public health focusing on animal-assisted interventions. Her research is frequently cited and is rated in the top 10% of all research outputs ever tracked by Almetric. Dr. Olsen is also a dog behaviorist and dog trainer, and screens dogs personality around the Europe. She travels with her lectures about AAI, dog mental test and animal welfare as a speaker on international conferences.
Tahira Tarquini
Public Relations and Marketing
Tahira is the owner of the company Flow Coaching & Training in which she offers educational material within AAI. She is educated in Animal Husbandry, Equine Business and Economics and Positive Psychology. She also specialised in (Systemic) Coaching, following Dog and Horse Assisted Coaching courses, besides following several courses within AAI and dog behavior, including the PADA Evaluator course (for which she will give exams soon). She is also active in the Erasmus+ sector as a project coordinator and project facilitator.