Kerri Rodriguez, DVM: Assistant Professor, Veterinary Medicine; Director, Human-Animal Bond Lab, University of Arizona
Monday, March 23, 2026, 3:00-4:00 pm, Koffler Great Room at ASA and Zoom
Emerging science is rapidly reshaping our understanding of the human-dog relationship, showing it to be far more biologically and psychologically complex than simple companionship. In her presentation, Dr. Kerri Rodriguez will give an overview of the latest scientific research on the human-dog relationship, focusing on how positive interactions with dogs influence human health and wellbeing, many owners actually rating their relationship with their dog as deeply satisfying and supportive. We will explore studies that investigate the effects of dogs on brain function, stress hormones, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning. Through examples from research on pet dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs, the presentation will highlight key findings on how and why we may benefit from our remarkable relationships with dogs.