Future directions in human-animal bond research
Human-animal contact can influence psychological and physiological parameters important to health and welfare; nevertheless, there has been relatively little research on the variables that influence or mediate those health consequences. In addition, little attention has been paid on how to create or alter the animal interactions for the betterment of people and their animals. The […]
What’s in it for the Companion Animal? Pet Attachment and College Students’ Behaviors Toward Pets
Research on the human-nonhuman animal bond has focused primarily on its advantages to the human. The purpose of this study is to investigate behaviors of caregivers (owners) of companion animals (pets) and to examine the relationship between such behaviors and scores on a pet attachment scale. Participants were 501 largely nontraditional (older, married, employed full-time) […]
PRESLAUGHTER HANDLING | Welfare of Animals
Abstract This article highlights some of the complex issues associated with animal welfare in livestock production and provides background and information important to the understanding of animal welfare. The article begins with a review of the philosophical approaches to animal use, followed by an exploration of the science of animal welfare, what constitutes good and […]
Are Emotionally Attached Companion Animal Caregivers Conscientious and Neurotic? Factors That Affect the Human–Companion Animal Relationship
Few studies have examined how personality traits may be related to the amounts and types of attachments humans have toward companion animals (pets). In this study, 1,098 companion animal guardians (owners) completed a survey that included the Big Five Inventory, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, and the Pet Attachment Questionnaire. Each participant chose whether […]
A turtle cognition research demonstration enhances visitor engagement and keeper-animal relationships
Environmental enrichment techniques present animals with cognitive challenges while providing them opportunities to make choices and exert control over their environment. In this way, cognitive research and training is enriching to animals and can be used as a form of enrichment in zoos and aquariums. Cognitive research demonstrations also provide an opportunity to enhance visitor […]
Companion Animals in Natural Disasters: A Scoping Review of Scholarly Sources
ABSTRACTDuring a disaster, people may make evacuation decisions based on their companion animal?s welfare, therefore exposing themselves, their companion animals, and emergency responders to increased risk for injury or death. The loss and suffering of companion animals in disasters causes deep distress, diminishing people?s capacity to rebuild their lives. This scoping review presents scholarly research […]