This diverse, global, and interdisciplinary volume explores the existing research, practice, and ethical issues pertinent to the field of human-animal interactions (HAI), interventions, and anthrozoology, focusing on the complex interactions between animals and humans in many settings, including both the benefits the challenges derived from these relationships.
The book begins by exploring the basic theoretical principles of anthrozoology and HAI, such as the evolution and history of the field, the importance of language, the economic costs and current perspectives to physical and mental wellbeing, the origins of domestication of animals, anthropomorphism, and how animals fit into human societies. Chapters then move on to practical applications, covering topics such as how animals contribute to childhood and adulthood development, pet ownership, disability, the roles of pets for people with psychiatric disorders, the links between animal and domestic abuse, and then more widely into the therapeutic roles of animals, animal-assisted therapies, interactions outside the home, working animals, animals in popular culture, and animals in research, for leisure, and food. Including chapters on a wide range on animals, from domesticated pets to wildlife, this collection examines the benefits yet also reveals the complexity and difficulties of human-animal relations.
This collection would be of great interest to students and practitioners in the fields of mental health, psychology, veterinary medicine, zoology, biology, social work, history, and sociology.
About the Author: Dr. Aubrey Fine, is a professor emeritus and licensed psychologist at California State Polytechnic University. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles on human animal interactions, animal assisted interventions, children, and parenting.
Dr. Megan Mueller, is an associate professor of human-animal interaction at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University who studies the role of human-animal interaction in youth and families.
Dr. Zenithson Ng, is a clinical associate professor of small animal primary care at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine with interests spanning all aspects of the human-animal bond.
Dr. Alan M. Beck, is an emeritus professor at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine who explores the relationship between people, animals, and their environment. He emphasizes the evolutionary bases for the interactions.
Dr. Jose M Peralta, is a veterinary school professor of animal welfare who is interested in the impact that the interaction between animals and humans has on the animals and their wellbeing.
