Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the study of human- non human animal interaction, also described as the science focusing on all aspects of the human-non human animal bond. [1] and a bridge between the natural and social sciences [2] (DOC format)

Anthrozoology is a modern multi-disciplinary 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- non human animal relationships on either party and the study of the reality of their interactions.

swabe.org comments: "In reality, there is little homogeneity in anthrozoological research, certainly as far as disciplinary approach, methodology and theory is concerned. The academic backgrounds of anthrozoological researchers can be extremely varied. There are, for example, social scientists, psychologists, zoologists, ethologists, historians, philosophers, veterinarians and even physicians studying the human-animal relationship."

It adds that anthrozoology may veer towards ethics, behavioral research, welfare and promotion, and many other areas within the human- non human animal interface.

1 Example areas of study
2 See also
3 External links
- 3.1 Professional bodies and journals
- 3.2 Other

[edit] Example areas of study

The interaction and enhancement within service animal interactions.
Affective (emotional) or relational bonds between humans and animals (which may range from companion animals through to zoophilia)
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).

Examples of papers published by ISAZ as at 2005 include:

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