Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interaction. It is a modern interdisciplinary and burgeoning field that overlaps with a number of other disciplines, including anthropology, ethology, medicine, psychology, veterinary medicine and zoology. A major focus of anthrozoologic research is the quantifying of the positive effects of human-animal relationships on either party and the study of the reality of their interactions.

Example areas of study

 * The interaction and enhancement within captive animal interactions.
 * Affective (emotional) or relational bonds between humans and animals
 * Human perceptions and beliefs in respect of other animals.
 * How some animals fit into human societies.
 * How these vary between cultures, and change over times.
 * The study of animal domestication: how and why domestic animals evolved from wild species (paleoanthrozoology).
 * Captive zoo animal bonds with keepers

Professional Bodies, Research Centers and Journals

 * CIAS: Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society - a multi-disciplinary research center within the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
 * IAHAIO: International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations - founded in 1990 to gather together national associations and related organizations interested in advancing the understanding and appreciation of the link between animals and humans.
 * ISAZ: International Society for Anthrozoology - Publishes the journal Anthrozoös
 * Society & Animals Forum (formerly PSYETA) - Publishes the journal Society & Animals
 * Anthrozoology Research Group - based in Australia, founded by Dr Pauleen Bennett, affiliated with The Animal Welfare Science Centre collaborative

Papers published by the International Society for the Study of Anthrozoology

 * Compatibility Stereotypes of People and Pets
 * Behavior of Children with Learning Disabilities Interacting with a Therapy Dog
 * Realistic Representations of Companion Animals in Comic Art in the USA
 * Advertising Animal Protection
 * Speciesism, Anthropocentrism, and Non-Western Cultures
 * Whale Shark Tourism in Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia
 * Judgments of Cruelty to Animals: Sex Differences and Effect of Awareness of Suffering
 * Motivations and Characteristics of Volunteer Flying-Fox Rehabilitators in Australia
 * Pets’ Roles in Parents’ Bereavement
 * Recent Shifts Regarding the Relationship between People and Other Animals in Japanese Culture
 * How Depressive Moods Affect the Behavior of Singly Living Persons Towards Their Cats
 * Bonds of trust shown between Zookeepers and Captive Animals

Websites

 * anthrozoology.org
 * Anthrozoology.org - list of anthrozoological departments and journals worldwide
 * Anthrozoology Research Group

Research links

 * Herzog, Harold
 * Sax, Boria
 * Serpell, James
 * Clinton R. Sanders
 * Bennett, Pauleen