H.A.B.I.T. stands for Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee. H.A.B.I.T. is composed of representatives from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, volunteers from the community, and private veterinary practitioners.

We sponsor programs that foster pet visitation to nursing homes, assisted-living residences, retirement centers, mental health centers, residences for children with special needs, rehabilitation facilities, hospital settings, and other facilities.

We also offer resources such as trained volunteers, medically and behaviorally screened animals, and guidance regarding pet visitation, program development, and evaluation.

Established in 1986, our group, composed of community volunteers, works to explore the circumstances and consequences of the human-animal bond and to promote this valuable bond between people and animals.

Community response has been overwhelming; numerous facilities are contacting us regarding our program. Currently, we have over 400 members, over 250 of these being active volunteers involved in our 70 different programs. We credit our success to the efforts and commitment of our volunteers. We strongly believe in the efforts of H.A.B.I.T and continuously welcome new volunteers.

The H.A.B.I.T Executive Committee is also composed of volunteers who juggle H.A.B.I.T. responsibilities along with their jobs and family schedules. We want to offer our community the best programs possible and that takes planning, coordination, and TIME. We ask for your patience and welcome your ideas and suggestions for H.A.B.I.T.

Contact Us!

For more information about the H.A.B.I.T. Program (request forms or meeting information and schedule), contact us at:

H.A.B.I.T.
Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences
2407 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Tel: (865) 974-5633
Email: HABIT@utk.edu

Please remember that H.A.B.I.T. is an organization of volunteers and that we have only one permanent staff member. If there is no one in the office, the answering machine will be on and your call will be returned as soon as possible.