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

Anthrozoology 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.

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-animal interface.

[edit] Example areas of study

• The interaction and enhancement within captive animal interactions.
• Affective (emotional) or relational bonds between humans and animals (which may range from having companion animals 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).
• Captive zoo animal bonds with keepers
• Clinical lycanthropy and furry fandom

Examples of papers published by ISAZ as of 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
• Bonds of trust shown between Zookeepers and Captive Animals

[edit] See also

• Animal behavior
• Relational bonds between humans and animals
• Domestication of the horse
• Origin of the domestic dog
• Service animal

[edit] References

[edit] External links

At Wikiversity you can learn more and teach others about Anthrozoology at: The Department of Anthrozoology

[edit] 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

[edit] Websites

• anthrozoology.org
• Anthrozoology.org - list of anthrozoological departments and journals worldwide
• Humans and Other Animals - Information from Dr. Jo Swabe

[edit] Links to Web-Accessible Academic Research by Author

• Herzog, Harold
• Sax, Boria
• Serpell, James
• Clinton R. Sanders

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