Research

HABIC, a nonprofit center in Colorado State University’s School of Social Work, advances research on human–animal interactions to improve human health and wellbeing. Within HABIC, the RISE HAI lab (Research for Inclusion, Social Justice, and Equity in Human–Animal Interaction) leads equity-driven research on how the human–animal bond intersects with social contexts, health disparities, and community resilience.

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines the human-animal bond as “a mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals. It’s influenced by behaviors essential to the mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing of both.”

Research shows that this bond can positively impact both people and animals in many ways:

• Boosts bonding hormones: Petting or making eye contact with a dog can increase oxytocin—a brain chemical linked to empathy, trust, and connection.
• Reduces stress: Interacting with dogs has been shown to lower cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), ease anxiety, and improve mood and overall wellbeing.
• Provides companionship: Pets offer friendship and comfort. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pet ownership helped reduce feelings of loneliness while supporting mental and physical health.
• Encourages social connection: Animals often spark interactions with others, which can be especially valuable for seniors or people at risk of social isolation.
• Supports physical health: Pets get us moving and can even benefit heart health—studies link pet ownership to a lower risk of hypertension.

Every HABIC therapy animal visit is a story of connection—but it’s also part of something bigger. Through research, we measure and share the impact of the human-animal bond on health, learning, and quality of life. Research studies help us improve our programs, support our volunteers, and demonstrate the power of therapy animals to healthcare providers, educators, and community partners.