TMH Director Of Animal Therapy Named President Of Global Association

Stephanie Perkins recognized as new President of International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Stephanie Perkins, Director of Animal Therapy at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), has been named President of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO), a prestigious global consortium dedicated to advancing the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) through research, education and compassionate practice.

Perkins will officially step into the presidential role this August at IAHAIO’s international meeting in Amsterdam, where she will lead more than 100 multidisciplinary member organizations across the globe, including academic centers, therapy programs and service animal training groups.

A Personal Journey Rooted in Compassion

Perkins’ journey into animal-assisted therapy began in 2000 when a young Australian Shepherd entered her life and sparked a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the human-animal bond. What began as a relationship between one woman and her dog evolved into a 20-year mission of healing, connection and community.

“I went from a dog guardian, to a therapy team, to eventually Director of one of the largest animal therapy programs in the country,” Perkins said. “Every step of the way has been both a gift and a joy.”

Building a Legacy at TMH

Since joining the TMH Animal Therapy program in 2001, Perkins has grown the initiative from just 35 volunteer handler-animal teams to more than 250. In 2011, the program officially became a department of TMH, distinguishing itself as one of the few hospital-based animal therapy departments in the United States that charts patient interactions directly into medical records.

Originally focused on serving the aging population through visits to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the program has since expanded to reach children, patients in hospitals, students in schools, hospice clients and even participants in the judicial system. Perkins and her team—alongside their therapy animals, which include not only dogs but also cats, rabbits, horses, birds and guinea pigs—regularly visit healthcare facilities, schools, courts and community events.

"Stephanie has been instrumental in providing seamless access and exceptional continuity of care for our pediatric clients at TMH Outpatient Pediatrics through the Animal Therapy program," said Amber Dodson, Lead Pediatric Therapist, OTR/L, C-BIT Tic Specialist. "Many of our young patients face significant mental, physical and emotional challenges that make connecting with others difficult. However, through Animal Therapy, they have formed meaningful bonds with the therapy animals, leading to remarkable progress."

Dodson noted that these connections foster deep friendships, offering comfort and companionship that traditional therapies often struggle to achieve. "Thanks to Stephanie's dedication and the Animal Therapy team's efforts, we've observed improvements in functional outcomes, attendance, patient satisfaction and overall engagement," she said. "This program has truly transformed the therapeutic experience for our clients."

Recognized Leadership in the Field

Perkins’ leadership and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including the Leon County Humane Society’s Purple Paw Award and recognition as one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.

Beyond accolades, Perkins takes the most pride in TMH Animal Therapy’s evolution into a clinical department. “To my knowledge, we’re the only animal therapy department in the U.S. that does patient charting as a department. Others may do it through therapists, but we’re integrated into patient care as a team,” she noted.

Vision for IAHAIO

Founded in 1990, IAHAIO is the leading international organization promoting human-animal interaction in both research and applied practice. Its member organizations span more than 90 countries and include a wide range of professionals working at the intersection of animal welfare and human wellbeing.

Perkins joined IAHAIO in 2018 and has served on its board for the past three years. Her election to the presidency reflects her leadership, innovation and commitment to ethical standards in animal-assisted interventions.

She’s especially passionate about creating global standards for HAI practice, expanding access in developing countries and ensuring animal welfare remains central.

“I’m a problem solver. I love big projects and connecting people. My goal is to make IAHAIO more practitioner-friendly, to elevate global standards and to ensure that animals always have choice and dignity in these interactions,” Perkins said. “In many countries, including parts of Africa and even Europe, bringing animals into healthcare settings isn’t widely accepted. I want to help shift that mindset through education and collaboration.”

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to take the helm of IAHAIO, Perkins is energized by the opportunities ahead. Her calendar is already filling with international travel, including a presentation in Chile on animal-assisted services in hospital settings.

But at the heart of it all remains the same passion that launched her career over two decades ago—the joy of seeing animals and people thrive together.

“What I look forward to most is meeting people who care deeply about animals and helping create meaningful change,” she said. “That, and of course, continuing to travel and share the incredible work we’re all doing around the world.”