This diverse, global, and interdisciplinary volume explores the existing research, practice, and ethical issues pertinent to the field of human-animal interactions (HAIs), interventions, and anthrozoology, focusing on the perceived physical and mental health benefits to humans and 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 onto practice, covering topics such as how animals help 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 of animals, from domesticated pets to wildlife, this collection examines the benefits yet also reveals the complexity, and often dark side, of human-animal relations.

Interweaving accessible commentaries with revealing chapters throughout the text, 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.

Author: Aubrey H. Fine
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 10/14/2024
Series: Routledge International Handbooks
Pages: 782
Weight: 2.88lbs
Size: 9.69h x 6.85w x 1.61d
ISBN: 9781032153339

About the Author

Dr. Aubrey Fine is a Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University. He is the author and editor of numerous books 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 a Professor 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.