The Human-Animal Bond is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that is a reality due to the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and students. Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, our mission is to conduct research, education, and training in the area of the human-animal bond to improve the quality of life for both humans and animals.
Meet Our Puppies
In late January, two litters of puppies were born into the Hearts of Gold family!
Foster a Future Service Dog in Training
Do you want to help a local nonprofit that raises and trains service dogs for veterans? We’re searching for volunteers to serve as Community Fosters within the Morgantown area. All are welcome to apply! No experience is needed! All supplies, food, equipment, medical care, and support are provided.
"Stryker, my service dog, gave me back some of the honor my diseases had taken from me."
Jim | Air Force Veteran
Hearts of Gold
Service Dog Training and Outreach
Hearts of Gold is a canine service dog training program providing service dogs for individuals with mobility impairment and/or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Get involved: Become a $10 per month sponsor
Ridgeway Farms
Education, Market and Community Gardens
Ridgeway Farms is dedicated to agricultural education, community service, and research targeting adolescent wellness. A 35-acre farm housing several different species of animals, community gardens and educational modules provide the foundation for the program.
Jasmine Project
Kennel and Residential Community
The Jasmine Project is an all-inclusive, animal assisted living community with special emphasis on elders, adolescents previously in foster care and individuals with disabilities. It is also the home of the Hearts of Gold whelping kennel.
Celebrating 10 Years
Over the last decade we have accomplished a lot!
Published and presented multiple research papers in peer-reviewed Journals and at national conferences | Trained 1200+ handlers | Trained over 100 dogs with students at WVU and inmates at Federal Corrections Institute in Morgantown, WV | Placed 48 service dogs with individuals with disabilities | Placed eight service dogs with veterans | Placed nine visitation therapy dogs | Placed 10 emotional support animals, including six with veterans