HAPI Articles

Welcome to the Human-Animal Partnerships and Interactions (HAPI) Lab research summaries. Here, you’ll find accessible overviews of our work exploring the powerful connections between humans and animals.

Our studies focus on human-canine and human-equine partnerships, examining their biopsychosocial impacts through a mixed-methods approach. From understanding how animal-assisted interventions can support individuals and families facing trauma to exploring the mutual benefits of these interactions for both people and animals, our research seeks to enhance the effectiveness and well-being of these partnerships.

PTSD Service Dogs for Veteran Families

Discover how PTSD service dogs impact not just veterans but their families, highlighting benefits like increased activity participation alongside challenges like caregiver burden and satisfaction.

The Growing Global Landscape of Human-Animal Interaction Centers

Explore the rapid growth of human-animal interaction (HAI) research from 2016 to 2021, focusing on global collaboration, educational integration, and advancing the well-being of humans and animals alike.

The Healing Power of Assistance Dogs for Veterans with PTSD

Explore how psychiatric assistance dogs help veterans with PTSD, reducing symptoms, improving mental health, and fostering social connections, as highlighted in a comprehensive review of 41 studies.

The Role of Pets in Managing Pandemic Uncertainty

Discover how pets became essential emotional lifelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering comfort, routine, and stress relief amidst unprecedented uncertainty.

Understanding the Terminology of Support Animals

Understand the differences between therapy animals, emotional support animals, and more with new expert-defined terms from Howell et al., ensuring clarity and consistency in the growing field of animal-assisted support.

When Therapy Horses Pass On: How Practitioners Cope and Grow

Grief and resilience in equine-assisted services are explored through a study on how practitioners cope with the death of therapy horses, offering insights and strategies for healing and support.