The Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education (OHAIRE)

Discover how we're advancing the science behind the bond.

OHAIRE

The Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education (OHAIRE) is a research group led by Dr. Maggie O'Haire. It includes national and international collaborators, students, and community members working together to conduct rigorous scientific research on the unique and pervasive effects of interacting with animals.

Learn more about our current projects.

Current Research in Human-Animal Interaction

The OHAIRE Group is a leading voice in several new areas of discovery related to human-animal interaction. Our overarching research examines the possible role of human-animal interaction in enhancing human mental health and wellness. Our current research projects focus on three key areas:

Service dogs

Facility dogs

coding for HAI

dog holding person's hand

Why learn about human-animal interaction?

Human-Animal Interaction encompasses many relationships with animals, including companion animals, emotional support animals, working animals, and any kind of Animal-Assisted Intervention. At the OHAIRE lab, we look at both positive and negative aspects of Animal-Assisted Intervention and Human-Animal Interaction. Through this process, we hope to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the unique and pervasive interactions between humans and animals. Our goal is to conduct meaningful, clinically relevant research that enhances the interactions and outcomes for both parties.

Learn more about our areas of focus on essential human-animal interactions.

HAI Service Dogs

Service Dogs for Military Veterans with PTSD

Learn More About Service Dogs

facility dogs

Facility Dogs and their Handlers

Learn About Facility Dogs and Their Handlers

autism study

Service Dogs for Children with Autism and their Caregivers

Learn More About Animals and Autism

mobility dog

Mobility and Medical Alert Service Dogs

Learn about Service Dog & Handler Teams

coding

The Observation of HAI for Research (OHAIRE) Coding System

Learn about our Coding System and Available Training

DEI in HAI

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in HAI

Learn About DEI Efforts in HAI

rat tickles

Improving Animal Welfare

Learn More About Animal Welfare

Discover More

We are committed to exploration. Learn more about how we're expanding our knowledge in veterinary medicine.

Meet the OHAIRE Team

Maggie OHaire

Dr. Maggie O'Haire, Associate Dean for Research

About Dr. O'Haire

Clara Jensen

Clare Jensen, Post Doctoral Research Associate

Woman with blond hair and grey sweater standing in front of a tree.

Stephanie Bristol, Post Doctoral Research Associate

Email Stephanie

ohaire lab

Sarah Leighton

University of Arizona Block A

Joshua Baus

Thanks to our research sponsors

We appreciate the ongoing support for our continuing exploration of human-animal interactions.

Recent NEws & Publications

News

A golden retriever sits in front of an American flag.

In the Media: Can Service Dogs Help Veterans?

Beagle looking at camera.

In the Media: Can Dogs Use Language?

Fox10 Feature

In The Media: Dr. Maggie O'Haire on Fox10

Dr. Maggie O'Haire and Sarah Leighton pose together in front of a sign that reads, "College of Veterinary Medicine Human-Animal Interaction House." The house, a research building, stands in the background.

One Health Fellowships Awarded to CVM Doctoral Students

impact of trauma

In The Media: Dr. Maggie O'Haire in the Daily Wildcat

In The Media: Dr. Maggie O'Haire in Oprah Daily

This excerpt featuring Dr. Maggie O'Haire is taken from an article printed on March 31 by Oprah Daily.

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