Ana Maria Barcelos, Daniela Pörtl, Roxanne Hawkins
Abstract
This chapter starts with a narrative on pet domestication emphasising the co-evolution of pets and humans through thousands of years. The authors then describe important concepts currently discussed within the area of Human-Pet Interaction: pet ownership, human-animal bond, human-animal attachment and anthropomorphism. The most commonly used and recent scales to measure attachment and anthropomorphism are shown and compared to highlight their differences and potential applications in practice and research. Once these topics are covered, the chapter shows scientific evidence that illustrates the impact of Human-Pet Interaction on the physiology (e.g., oxytocin loop; synchronization of hormones of stress), mentality (e.g., studies comparing dog and owner personalities) and physical attributes (e.g., studies investigating physical similarities between pets and owners) of both species. Finally, the chapter concludes by raising important questions about Human-Pet Interaction and by emphasising the long and historical connection humans have with pets.
Reading recommendations
Blazina, C., Boyra, G., & Shen-Miller, D. S. (2011). The psychology of the human-animal bond. Berlin, Germany: Springer.
Blouin, D. D. (2012). Understanding relations between people and their pets. Sociology Compass, 6(11), 856-869.
Podberscek, A. L., Paul, E. S., & Serpell, J. A. (Eds.). (2000). Companion animals and us: Exploring the relationships between people and pets. Cambridge University Press.
Rockett, B., & Carr, S. (2014). Animals and attachment theory. Society & Animals, 22(4), 415-433.
Web resources and Presentation recommendations
Pets and mental health by Dr. Roxanne Hawkins, University of Edinburg (UK): link here
The Power of a Pet, Dr. Rustin Moore | TEDxOhioStateUniversity: link here
WSAVA Gobal Veterinary Community webinar series: link here
Activity
Take the quiz on human-animal bond! link here
Ideas of activities for all ages by Blue cross UK: link here