HAB Lab
About the HAB Lab
The Human-Animal Bond Lab (HAB Lab) is an interdisciplinary research group housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona, launched in Fall 2023.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, the lab explores the mechanisms, outcomes, and broader implications of the human-animal bond for both human and animal well-being. Our research focuses on how meaningful interactions with animals—including companion, therapy, facility, and service animals—can promote therapeutic benefits, especially among vulnerable populations. We partner with experts across veterinary medicine, psychology, and animal behavior to inform a multidisciplinary approach.
At the HAB Lab, we are dedicated to advancing innovative research that reveals how the human-animal bond enriches lives. Using a biopsychosocial framework, we investigate the psychological, social, and physiological impacts of human-animal interactions across a range of populations and settings. Our goal is to inform policies, interventions, and best practices that strengthen both individual and community well-being through the power of the human-animal connection.