# University of Arizona human-pet communication research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-arizona-human-pet-communication-research
> Updated: 2026-09-06T14:53:06.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new standardized system called AURAL-Pet to analyze verbal interactions between humans and their pets. Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, the research utilized the tool to examine over 5,000 audio fragments from 240 participants.

The study found that approximately 9.2% of household conversations are directed toward dogs and cats, involving behaviors such as using affectionate nicknames, giving commands, or narrating daily activities. These interactions occur even when other people are present.

Scientists are using the tool to investigate the ‘pet effect’—the theory that animals can positively influence human health—to address previously contradictory scientific evidence. The research team is currently applying AURAL-Pet to study the mental health of adults over the age of 60, aiming to determine if specific communication styles can help mitigate stress, depression, and social isolation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: University of Arizona researchers develop tool to analyze human-pet verbal interactions

University of Arizona researchers developed AURAL-Pet, a tool to analyze human-pet verbal interactions to better understand the ‘pet effect’ on human mental health and well-being.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-arizona-researchers-develop-tool-to-analyze-human-pet-verbal-interactions

### 2026-09-02: University of Arizona study finds pets are major conversational partners

University of Arizona researchers found that nearly 10% of household speech is directed at pets, using a new system called Aural-Pet to study how these interactions may impact mental health and social isolation

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-arizona-study-finds-pets-are-major-conversational-partners

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Cite as: University of Arizona human-pet communication research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-arizona-human-pet-communication-research