Founded in 2016 within the Office of One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan, led by Dr. Colleen Anne Dell, the PAWSitive Connections Lab has evolved into an interdisciplinary team with joint direction by Dr. Darlene Chalmers with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, and Dr. Linzi Williamson with the Department of Psychology and Health Studies at USask. The Lab’s membership includes employees, students, graduates and other faculty who collaborate closely on various projects. Community members play a pivotal role in shaping the Lab’s research and activities.   

 The Lab focuses on exploring interaction between animals and people*. We place particular emphasis on the potential power of the connection between animals and humans for individuals recovering from addiction and mental health. We study how pets and people benefit each other, and focus on improving the health and welfare of both. Our scope encompasses a wide array of animals, with specific attention given to service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and companion animals, commonly referred to as pets. 

(*)We place animal first to counteract their subordinate role in society.