Roger Haston, Ph.D.
Roger Haston is a recognized world leader in animal welfare through his research and public speaking. Dr. Haston received a Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of California Santa Barbara and an MBA in finance from Rice University. His career began in the oil and gas industry, working for Amoco and Arco in Houston, Texas. Dr. Haston moved to Colorado in 1998, where he started and grew Axis Geophysics – a successful business in geophysical data processing serving the oil and gas industry. He had a strong desire to give back to the community and became involved with the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, first as a volunteer, then later as a board member and board chair.
What began as volunteerism soon grew into a new career path as Dr. Haston’s passion for helping animals continued to grow. In 2012, he committed himself full-time to animal welfare, taking on the position of Executive Director at the Animal Assistance Foundation. There, he merged his passion for science, business, and leadership to help the animals of Colorado and beyond. In 2016, Dr. Haston joined PetSmart Charities, North America’s leading funder of animal welfare, as the organization’s Chief Analytics Officer where he focused upon data collection, interpretation, and analysis to predict trends, evaluate best practices, explore the impact of the human-animal bond and examine the future of animal welfare. In 2019, Dr. Haston recognized a need for a deeper level of science and analysis in the industry and started The Institute for Animals, which focuses on strategy, research, advocacy insight, and thought leadership.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in animal welfare, Dr. Haston has become an internationally recognized leader in data, trends, metrics, and analysis conveyed through impactful and approachable storytelling. He is a highly sought-after speaker who has presented on many animal welfare and economic topics at conferences and events around the world. He has touched thousands of people, both within and outside the industry, with his deep insights into the role of animals in our society.
Dr. Haston has served on the boards of Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund, PetAid Colorado, Catalyst Council, Emancipet, Animal Grant Makers, National Council on Pet Population, Alliance for Arizona Non-profits and Shelter Animals Count.