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The Future of Research on Human-Animal Interactions

Summary By: | Published: September 28, 2015
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Scientists are looking to expand the field of research into human-animal interactions, including standardizing data and gathering national results.

Many people are aware that having a pet brings positive benefits to a person’s life. Research in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) has grown rapidly over recent years and has benefited from new research technologies, such as genetic sequencing and functional magnetic resonance imaging. This article, published in Animal Frontiers, reviews recent progress, highlights the organizations working together to move knowledge of HAI forward, and suggests directions for future research.

A number of excellent studies have been published in relation to the benefits of pets in improving cardiovascular health, reducing obesity and stress, promoting healthy ageing, community-building, and enhancing immune-systems. Researchers are also assisting with and measuring the effect of an array of new types of animal-assisted interventions and therapy programs. The article’s authors suggest that future research would be enhanced by the inclusion of pet-related questions in national healthy surveys, the adoption of standardized protocols and measures, incorporation of new technologies, and additional research support for the expansion of roles for therapy and service animals. A few universities are creating faculty positions in HAI, but there’s a way to go before it’s properly recognized and established as a well-funded academic field.

External Link:
https://www.animalsciencepublications.org/publications/...
karol orzechowski
Meet the Author:
karol orzechowski is a longtime animal advocate with a passion for advocacy, art, statistics, and tech. In addition to producing numerous short films on various animal issues, karol is the director of Maximum Tolerated Dose, a feature-length documentary about the psychological toll of vivisection on both animals and humans. He completed a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and an MA in Communications and Culture at York University, writing theses on nationalism and the Atlantic seal hunt, and Canadian rodeo culture, respectively. When he's not working for Faunalytics, karol is the Board Chair of a non-profit independent news publication in his hometown. Outside of work, karol is often reading about computer hacking and infosec, organizing and performing at events in his local arts scene, or walking with Raoul the rescue dog.

Citations:

McCune, S., Kruger, K. A., Griffin, J. A., Esposito, L. et al. (2014). Evolution of Research Into The Mutual Benefits of Human–Animal Interaction. Animal Frontiers, 4(3). pp. 49-58.

Tags:

Companion Animals Other Topics Assistance Animals Companion Animal Population Education English Evaluation Global Human Health International Cats Dogs

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