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Domestication can sometimes seem to be taken for granted as a state of affairs the origins of which are lost in the mists of time, the effects of which will be with us forever. Domestication has been a traditional concern within anthropology, particularly within the subfields of archaeology and biological anthropology. It has been revived in the subfield of social anthropology, but in the mean time the understanding of domestication within the biological subdisciplines have changed. Social and cultural anthropologists also come to domestication via an intellectual trajectory that is strongly influenced by Marx. Social anthropologists are also interested in exploring the use of concepts of domestication to establish moral hierarchies, along with scholars from geography, philosophy, and science studies. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.

This chapter aims to explore some of the uses of the concept of “domestication” in anthropology and archaeology, to point out some of the difficulties of the concept, and to suggest how these very ambiguities can provide fertile ground for future work. The concept and study of domestication has already provided fertile ground for communication and collaboration across disciplinary and subdisciplinary boundaries. The broadening use of domestication suggests that many disciplines and subdisciplines could benefit from the work on domestication by others. Domestication is difficult to pin down, partly because it involves both biological processes of alteration to organisms and social and cultural changes in both humans and animals. The varying degrees of intimacy with animals that are created by domestication pose problems that are solved by mechanisms familiar from kinship systems. Despite its difficulties, domestication has been a useful concept for anthropology and archaeology.

Do pets provide benefits or risks for low-income individuals in regards to food security?Surveys of food security were administered to 392 low-income adults utilizing food pantries. Data collection included a self-administered questionnaire about demographics, food security, health and well-being, and for those with pets, animal attachment, commitment and animal information. Qualitative interviews were conducted with fifteen pet-owning individuals who completed the questionnaire and agreed to be contacted and interviewed over the phone about food security and their pets.Bivariate analyzes suggested that those with pets were more food secure and logistic regression found pet ownership associated with greater food security. The interviews suggest that pets assisted in creating a routine, and motivation for obtaining food.It is critical that social workers realize the importance of pets in the lives of humans and include them in psychosocial assessments and as motivators for health interventions.

Author(s): Levine, David; Adair, Henry Steven; Marcellin-Little, Denis J; Jaffe, Michael; Kaneps, Andris J

Veterinarians perform surgery for a number of reasons, from treating a problem to preventing future problems. There is an inextricable link between the physical and psychological aspects of an animal's health, and surgery is often a conduit to bridge that gap. Some surgical procedures can affect an animal's behavior, such as castration, and some pose an ethical dilemma, such as ear cropping and declawing. Ameliorating pain, decreasing stressful experiences for the animal, and identifying and treating concurrent problem behaviors are hallmarks of improving animal welfare. The purpose of this article is to outline some of these interrelationships and ethical dilemmas, providing evidence-based verification as applicable.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Spanish confinement for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior of pet cats and dogs, and the support that pets provided to their owners. We found that the quality of life owners was strongly influenced by the lifestyle and emotional effects of the confinement, and that pets provided them with substantial support to mitigate those effects. However, pets showed signs of behavioral change that were consistent with stress, with dogs that had pre-existing behavioral problems being the most affected., Highlights • During COVID-19 confinement in Spain 61.8% of respondents said that their quality of life had deteriorated. • Poorer self-reported personal quality of life was associated with the lifestyle and emotional impacts of the confinement on the household. • People whose quality of life had been more severely affected reported that their pet provided proportionately more help for them during confinement. • The emotional bond between people and their pets strengthened during the confinement. • Thirty-seven percent of dogs showed signs of difficulty coping with the confinement, but cats were less affected. • Dogs with pre-existing behavior problems were more likely to have difficulty coping with the confinement.

Pain is a significant burden for those with chronic disease and negatively impacts quality of life, causing disability and substantial work and health-care costs. Chronic pain has been identified a...

Collisions between wildlife and aircraft (wildlife strikes) pose notable risks. Previous research has found that a variety of birds and mammals are involved in wildlife strikes, but no comprehensive evaluation of collisions between owl and aircraft (owl strikes) has been conducted. We queried the Federal Aviation Administration's National Wildlife Strike Database (from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2014) and the US Air Force's Birdstrike Database (from 1 January 1994 to 30 June 2014) to characterize owl strikes. We found 2531 owl strikes involving at least 20 species of owls. Barn Owls (Tyto alba) were the most frequently struck species, accounting for 42% of all reported owl strikes. Almost 75% of owl strikes occurred during the night. Owl strikes typically occurred within the airfield environment itself, and 86% of owl strikes occurred when the aircraft was at or below 30 m above ground level. Some mitigation tools and techniques (e.g., nonlethal hazing, translocation, lethal removal) can reduce the frequency of owl strikes, but the efficacy of these methods remains unevaluated. An important area of future research will involve the development and evaluation of effective, publicly acceptable methods of reducing human–owl conflicts.

Simple Summary Euthanasia is a critical component of livestock production systems, providing producers, veterinarians, and caretakers a way to alleviate animal suffering. Although the intention is to keep all animals healthy, there are times when an animal must be euthanized when chances of recovery are low, the animal’s pain is not manageable, and/or its quality of life has deteriorated. The timeliness of euthanasia is an equally critical component of animal welfare. Activist groups have called out the dairy industry on this issue and the data suggests the untimeliness of euthanasia on dairy farms is an area in need of significant improvement. Failure to make timely euthanasia decisions impacts cow welfare and has a negative effect on the dairy business and caretaker. There are many factors influencing timely euthanasia decisions, which may be why effectively managing euthanasia on dairies can be a challenge. Factors impacting euthanasia decisions include caretaker training, availability of protocols, treatment decisions, quality of life assessment, human–animal bond, and economic influences. The dairy industry must develop effective resources to ensure a culture of care that supports timely euthanasia as a priority. This review discusses some of the factors impacting timely euthanasia decisions and proposes a path forward to improvement. Abstract Euthanasia is a valuable management tool utilized on dairies to end the suffering of sick or debilitated cows. Euthanasia should be implemented if an animal’s pain cannot be adequately alleviated and if there is a limited chance of recovery. To be humane, euthanasia should be quick, painless, and administered by a trained individual. Despite its importance in ensuring cow well-being, the timeliness with which euthanasia decisions are made for dairy cattle is often overlooked or neglected. The timeliness of euthanasia is as important as the efficient, rapid administration of euthanasia itself. Timely euthanasia is a critical component of many on-farm animal care and verification programs yet opportunities exist within the industry to improve how effectively the industry is executing this critical component of cow management. There are challenges associated with performing euthanasia in a timely manner, such as inconsistencies in treatment protocols, inadequate employee training, difficulties assessing a cow’s quality of life, and impacts of the human–animal bond on decision-making. The objective of this paper is to explain the importance of timely euthanasia to dairy cattle welfare, identify the challenges that can prevent the timeliness of euthanasia, and provide solutions and practical suggestions for improving the management of timely euthanasia on dairies.

A survey of animal welfare agencies and corrections departments across Australia was conducted to compile a nationwide profile of prison dog programs, wherein inmates train dogs while learning skills to assist their rehabilitation. Most programs operating in 23 prisons in six Australian states were a community service design administered by animal welfare organizations. Inmates benefit through opportunities to train the dogs, give back to society, gain a sense of responsibility, improve self-confidence and social skills, and acquire vocational qualifications to improve job opportunities postrelease. Barriers identified included insufficient funding, limited training opportunities for the dogs, and some staff resistance.

Background The introduction of an adult onset Separation Anxiety Disorder in the DSM-V recognises that separation anxiety can occur at any stage across the lifespan. In this paper, we examine whether adult separation anxiety, which is known to occur when people are apart from other people close to them, can also develop when people are separated from animal companions. The social and individual psychological correlates of this reported phenomenon are examined. Methods Participants (N = 313, aged 18–76, M = 41.89 years), completed demographic information and questionnaires measuring separation anxiety from companion animals and humans, attachment towards companion animals and humans, and social support. Results Significant positive relationships were observed between separation anxiety from humans, people substitution and separation anxiety from animals. Participants with greater separation anxiety from animals also reported less social support and greater attachment anxiety involving humans. People substitution was also positively related to greater animal-related separation anxiety. Associations were generally weaker when cats were identified as the principal companion animal. Participants without children reported significantly less attachment-related avoidance (human); less perceived social support; greater people substitution; and, greater separation anxiety towards companion animals. Separation anxiety from humans, attachment avoidance, and attachment anxiety accounted for 41% of variance in separation anxiety from animals. Limitations The correlational design does not allow the investigation of causal associations. Conclusions A strong, positive relationship was observed between human-related separation anxiety and animal-related separation anxiety, which was significantly stronger for people with lower levels of social support.

Domestic dogs completed a temporal bisection procedure that required a response to one lever following a light stimulus of short duration and to another lever following a light stimulus of a longer duration. The short and long durations across the four conditions were (0.5&ndash, 2.0 s, 1.0&ndash, 4.0 s, 2.0&ndash, 8.0 s, and 4.0&ndash, 16.0 s). Durations that were intermediate, the training durations, and the training durations, were presented during generalization tests. The dogs bisected the intervals near the geometric mean of the short and long-stimulus pair. Weber fractions were not constant when plotted as a function of time: A U-shaped function described them. These results replicate the findings of previous research reporting points of subjective equality falling close to the geometric mean and also confirm recent reports of systematic departures from Weber&rsquo, s law.

Repeated interactions within individual human and animal dyads can lead to the establishment of human–animal relationships (HARs), which may vary in quality from good to bad, defined in terms of th...

Over the past 20 years, a great deal of attention has been paid to the psychological and physiological impact that animals have on the lives of people with disabilities. The focus of this paper is to demystify the mechanisms that are affected as a consequence of these interactions as well as to describe the value of various types of therapeutic working animals. For human-animal interactions to become more legitimised, more rigorous empirical research needs to be undertaken to demonstrate the value of such interactions as well as the need for changes in the public policy impacting them.

Final exams at colleges and universities have proven to be a time of anxiety and stress for students. This paper contains an exploration the effects of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) on exam anxi...

Companion animals (i.e., pets) have been increasingly recognized for the roles they play in families, including those with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study e...

Pilot information on the health behaviors and perceptions of adult, dog owning, Pokmon GO players in the US was gathered via an anonymous, on-line survey. A total of 269 participants provided details about their playing habits, daily exercise routines, and interactions with their family and dog, and how these were impacted by playing the game. Playing Pokmon GO affected the amount of time players spent with other people and pets, with 43.2% of respondents reporting an increased amount of time spent with family/household members and 52.3% reporting they spent more time with their dog. Additionally, 62.9% of participants reported spending more time walking their dog since starting to play. A statistically significant increase in amount of exercise obtained was found when comparing pre-to post-game levels. A number of respondents reported feeling less anxious leaving the house (38.6%), interacting with strangers (39.7%), and going to new places (39.4%) after they began playing Pokmon GO. In conclusion, playing Pokmon GO appears to positively impact all areas studied, suggesting a new opportunity to enhance both mental and physical health. Participants spent more time with family and pets after starting to play Pokmon GO.Increased amount of time walking their dog and exercising after starting to play.Anxiety about leaving the house was reduced after starting to play Pokmon GO.Reduced anxiety about interacting with strangers and visiting new places.Pokmon GO could be a new opportunity to enhance both mental and physical health.

In order to determine horses' stress and ensure health and welfare of horses working with military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a therapeutic horseback riding program, we measured the stress levels of the horses. Five horses worked in two 6-week therapeutic riding sessions: one 6-week session ridden by military veterans with PTSD (session 1) and one 6-week session ridden by experienced riders (session 2). Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucose, and cortisol levels were determined on a resting day (baseline [BL]) and in weeks 1, 3, and 6 before each riding class (T1), after tacking (T2), and after each riding class (T3). Behavioral patterns for stress were determined before venipuncture at the same intervals. In session 1, cortisol level at BL was significantly lower than at T1 and T3, whereas in session 2, it was significantly higher than at T1 and T3. Cortisol level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1 and T3. No significant differences were found between two sessions or over time for ACTH. Glucose level at BL was significantly higher than at T3 in session 1 and higher than at T1 in session 2. Glucose level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1, T2, and T3. Stress behavior scores were significantly lower in session 1 than session 2. Although physiological and behavioral patterns for stress varied across experimental conditions, they remained within normal reference ranges. There was no evidence that horses carrying riders with a disability were unduly stressed.

While human benefits of animal-assisted therapy programs have been documented, relatively little research has been conducted on behavioral factors that predict a successful equine-assisted services (EAS) horse. This study compares the behavior of experienced and non-experienced EAS horses as well as horses selected for future EAS work in a series of sociability and temperament tests. No significant differences were found between experienced and non-experienced horses in the sociability measures or for most of the temperament tests, however, significant differences were found between groups in the brushing test, with non-experienced horses showing more affiliative behaviors towards the familiar handler and unfamiliar persons. No significant differences were found between selected and non-selected horses in the temperament tests. However, non-selected horses were found to show significantly more affiliative behaviors towards a familiar person during a sociability test compared with selected horses. These findings suggest that the social behavior and temperament of EAS horses may not be significantly different from other available horses not selected for EAS work. Instead, these decisions may primarily reflect subjective impressions of fit. Interestingly, on measures where significant differences were identified, the horses not actively engaged in or selected for therapy were the ones that showed greater affiliative responses to familiar and unfamiliar humans. Reasons for why this may be, as well as future directions in EAS selection, are discussed.

Animals are commonly present in classrooms and may be an important tool in enhancing children’s experiences, especially in inclusion classrooms that provide integrative learning for both typically developing children and children with special needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of animal-assisted activities on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well was typically developing (TD) children in inclusion classrooms. Ninety-nine children from 15 inclusion classrooms were divided into groups of three (two TD children and one child with ASD) to take part in free play sessions with either two guinea pigs or a set of toys. These sessions were videotaped, and the children’s behavior was coded. Behaviors that were coded included interactions and emotional display, either positive (smiling, laughing) or negative (frowning). Furthermore, triggers for laughing were classifi ed into three categories: social interaction, animal interaction, and observation of animals or peers. Both TD children and children with ASD showed increased positive emotional display in the presence of animals compared to toys, but TD children laughed more during the toy sessions while children with ASD laughed more in the animal sessions. Further examination of laughter triggers revealed that TD children laughed due to social interaction while children with ASD laughed due to observation and animal interaction. These results indicate that guinea pigs can positively enhance the experiences of children in inclusion classrooms and encourage laughter in children with ASD. Future studies could further our knowledge by investigating similar impacts with other animals or examining the correlation between specific animal behaviors and laughter triggers.

Eleven years (2004–2014) of bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus data from four independent, state and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitators in Iowa were assessed for the prevalence of elevated lead levels in blood or tissue samples. The relationship between blood lead concentrations and recorded information (age, season, radiographs, and clinical outcome) was investigated. Adult birds had higher blood lead concentrations than immature and juvenile birds. Highest blood lead levels were found during October–January. Bald eagles with positive radiographs for metallic opacities in the digestive tract had higher blood and tissue lead concentrations than those with negative results or those on which no radiograph was performed. Metallic opacities were identified through necropsy. Bald eagles with elevated levels of lead were associated with poor clinical outcomes, indicating that blood lead concentrations could be used as a predictor of clinical outcome.

Companion animals are increasingly being recognized by society as beneficial to our health and considered by many owners as authentic and affectional family members. Human relationship theories hel...

Coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823) are highly successful in urbanized environments, but as they populate cities, conflict can occur and often manifests in the form of incidents with pets. To better understand whether coyotes view pets as prey or, alternatively, as competitors or a threat, we conducted a diet analysis of coyotes in the Denver metropolitan area (DMA) by analyzing scats. We also examined differences in diet between high- and low-density housing and among seasons. We found only small percentages of trash and domestic pets in the coyote diet. The presence of pets in the diet did not coincide with the increase of pet conflicts in the DMA in December and January, supporting the hypothesis that coyote conflict with pets is primarily driven by competition or a threat response. Coyotes relied mostly on native plant and animal species, and rodents and lagomorphs were the most prevalent diet items. Coyotes consumed rodents and non-native plants more often in high-density housing and deer, corn, and native plants more often in low-density housing. Coyotes also consumed more fruits and invertebrates during summer and autumn and more mammals and birds in winter and spring. As human–coyote conflicts increase in urban areas, understanding how coyotes and other urban-adapted carnivores use anthropogenic resources may provide insight that can be used to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Clinical staff members all recognize the importance of attaining high patient satisfaction scores. Although there are many variables that contribute to patient satisfaction, implementation of a dog visitation program has been shown to have positive effects on patient satisfaction in total joint replacement patients. This innovative practice had not previously been studied in trauma patients. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether dog visitation to trauma inpatients increased patient satisfaction scores with the trauma physicians. A team consisting of a dog and handler visited 150 inpatients on the trauma service. Patient satisfaction was measured using a preexisting internal tool for patients who had received dog visitation and compared with other trauma patients who had not received a visit. This study demonstrated that patient satisfaction on four of the five measured scores was more positive for the patients who had received a dog visit.

Social relationships are based on our ability to put ourselves in the place of others, and from there to react appropriately and logically. This empathic ability can be extended to other species, based on the human ability to develop techniques to understand and communicate with animals. In education, the benefits of training professionals with ethical and empathic tools are known. Gender, diet, past experiences, and other factors can modify a person's levels of empathy toward humans and animals, and a relationship exists between both types of empathy. The aims of this study were to investigate some determinants of the level of empathy and to gain insight into the possible correlation between human–animal and human–human empathy. For this, the Animal Empathy Scale and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index by Davis were applied through an electronic survey system to freshmen and final-year students (n=452) from five schools of veterinary medicine in Chile. The correlation between the empathy scores of both instruments and their association with individual factors were studied using Spearman's correlation, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The results suggest that both instruments correlate significantly, and that gender, year of study, diet, and area of interest have a significant association with the score for empathy toward animals. This research shows that individual characteristics and changes that occur during veterinary training can affect students' attitudes toward animals.

Each year, nearly 4 million dogs will enter one of over 13,000 animal shelters operating in the United States. We review programmes implemented at shelters aimed at increasing the likelihood of adoption. The morphology of shelter dogs plays a large role in in-kennel adopter selection, but their behaviour is also influential in out-of-kennel adopter interactions. Previous studies suggest that dogs have the ability to readily learn new behaviours at the shelter, and programmes designed to improve behaviour of the dogs can increase adoption rates. Whilst human interaction has been well-established to improve behavioural and physiological outcomes of dogs living in shelters, analysis of the effects of sensory, environmental, and social-conspecific enrichment has not resulted in clear conclusions. We also review the literature on the relinquishment of owned dogs and return rates of previously adopted dogs. Whilst owner- and dog-related risks to relinquishment are discussed, we show that there is a notable lack of research into programmes that address issues that may prevent the initial surrender of dogs to shelters, or that could prevent re-relinquishment. It is likely that factors, unrelated to the dog, play a larger role than previously believed. Suggestions for further research include multi-site studies, investigations into the efficacy of in-shelter enrichment programmes, predictive validity of behavioural assessments, understanding of adopter behaviour at the shelter, and programmes within the community focused on keeping dogs in their homes.

Numerous studies have examined the link between companiondog ownership and improved physical or psychological health outcomes; however, few have examined the association between dog ownership and owners’ overall wellbeing or quality of life (QOL). Moreover, the potential for dog ownership to adversely affect owner QOL has been largely ignored. In general, little is known regarding the specific aspects of QOL that are most affected by dog ownership, and there are no instruments specifically designed to assess the QOL of dog owners. If such a tool was available, these effects could be better quantified, understood, and potentially utilized to further improve owner QOL. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a QOL questionnaire specifically suitable for use in dog owners. A literature review, focus-group activities, and expert content review were used to generate an item pool for the instrument. Both positive and negative effects of dog ownership on QOL were considered. Developmenta...

In this paper, we elaborate and test a comprehensive theoretical model of SWB of animal caregivers. This model includes risk factors such as restrictions in daily life, negative emotions, and finan...

Aims: To determine the frequency of different types of health and behavioural problems observed in the first month after adoption in kittens and adult cats rehomed through an animal shelter in New Zealand, to assess satisfaction of adopters and to determine the preferences of adopters for provision of post-adoption support.Methods: The adopters of kittens and cats from an animal shelter in Auckland, New Zealand between 15 October 2016-4 December 2016 were invited to complete a survey 1 week and 1 month after adoption. Respondents were asked about how well the animal was settling into the household, whether they had observed any health or behavioural problems, and what their preferences were for receiving post-adoption support.Results: Data from at least one survey were available for 83/115 (72.2%) kittens and 70/155 (45.6%) adult cats, with 39/115 (34%) adopters of kittens and 35/155 (23%) adopters of adult cats completing surveys at both 1 week and 1 month after adoption. By 1 month after adoption 57/60 (95%) adopted kittens and 40/53 (75%) adopted adult cats had settled well into their new home. At 1 month after adoption 28/60 (47%) kittens and 26/53 (49%) cats had ≥1 reported behavioural problem, and 16/60 (27%) kittens and 18/53 (34%) cats had ≥1 reported health problem. The most common problem behaviours for kittens were episodes of hyperactivity and scratching household items, and for adult cats were spending most of the time hiding and scratching household items. The most common health problems for kittens were eye problems and sneezing or a runny nose, and for adult cats were sneezing or a runny nose. Amongst respondents, the most helpful support for recent adopters was considered to be an email or phone call 1 month after adoption from the animal shelter.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although many adopters reported health and/or behavioural issues in their adopted kittens and adult cats, most issues were generally mild and the adopters were generally satisfied with their animals. Providing new adopters with advice about managing common health and behavioural issues such as upper respiratory disease and scratching household items may increase satisfaction with adoptions.

This study assessed the effects of an elevated plastic-slatted platform and/or a plastic hiding tube in collective pens with large group sizes (27 or 36 rabbits/pen, 16 rabbits/m2) on the performance and welfare of rabbits kept from weaning (at 33 days of age) to slaughter (at 68 or 75 days of age). Growth performance, injuries, and behavior (video recorded for 24 h) of rabbits (n = 504) were recorded. The platform allowed rabbits to adopt the rearing position more frequently (+0.14 events during 2 min every 30 min across 24 h) and to rest with stretched body for longer (+3.8% of observed time) (p &le, 0.001). Production parameters and reactivity at the open field test were not modified, but the occurrence of injured rabbits at the trial end was higher in pens with platforms (+8.9%, p &le, 0.01). This result was possibly related to the higher group size in pens with platforms (36 rabbits) compared to those without platforms (27 rabbits). The inclusion of the tube decreased growth (&minus, 2.2 g/d, 0.05), whereas it was scarcely used by rabbits and it did not substantially change their behavior or the occurrence of injuries. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions of this study, elevated platforms worked as a useful structural enrichment in view of animal behavior but negatively impacted on the rate of injuries, whereas the usefulness of the tube was not confirmed.

Attending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there have been conflicting reports relating to the proportion of dogs that show fear during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, 41% of companion dogs displayed mild to moderate fearful behaviour when examined by a veterinarian, and 14% exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully when in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship between fear and the environmental and demographic factors measured was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, combined these risk factors only explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. This suggests that fear exhibited during veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that the environment or human-animal interactions are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. We conclude by highlighting opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.

Veterinary professionals are recognized as an important source of support for many veterinary clients, particularly during companion animal euthanasia and end-of-life care. While many veterinary professionals recognize the importance of their role, many also report feeling unsure about what methods of support are most effective. Furthermore, few evidence-based guidelines currently exist to inform veterinary professionals on the support of grieving clients. To begin bridging this gap, this study qualitatively explored how veterinary professionals currently report supporting grieving clients before, during, and after companion animal euthanasia. Findings suggest that veterinary participants in this study strive to be meaningful sources of support for grieving clients and employ an array of support practice to do so. However, opportunities exist for veterinary professionals to better explore clients’ needs, expectations, and feelings as they relate to companion animal euthanasia, including offering more grief-related resources and access to professional counseling services.

The article, “Typologies of Older Adult Companion Animal Owners and Non-Owners: Moving Beyond the Dichotomy,” (Carr, Taylor, Gee, & Sachs-Ericsson, this issue) represents a major step forward in co...

There is a long tradition of employing animals to support people with certain physical challenges, e.g., guide dogs for people with blindness and service dogs for people with motoric impairments, but the potentials may be much wider than that. Over the last decades, research in the field of Human Animal Interaction has found potentials of employing animals in a range of ways and for a range of purposes, including support and intervention for people with mental illnesses. However, studies have also raised concerns about ensuring animal welfare, integrating the use of animals with existing rehabilitation practices, and the level of knowledge about Human Animal Interaction. Thus, there is a need for a basic framework and consistent terminology in order to enable discussions of which ways we can employ animals in rehabilitation, and what the potential benefits, the prerequisites and the challenges are. This paper discusses current research in light of the Bio Psycho Social (BPS) model of health and the consensus reached by the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) and Assistance Dogs International (AAI) and proposes a conceptual framework for animal assisted rehabilitation. The BPS model allows overall comparison and integration of research findings and theories from the rather heterogeneous field of Human Animal Interaction. IAHAIO provides terminological clarity by defining four general kinds of intervention that a handler-animal-team can offer. They also supply guidelines for professional ethics and competence of the handler. The AAI defines standards for recruitment, training, certification and placement of assistance/service dogs. There is a long tradition of employing animals to support people with certain physical challenges, e.g., guide dogs for people with blindness and service dogs for people with motoric impairments, but the potentials may be much wider than that. Over the last decades, research in the field of Human Animal Interaction has found potentials of employing animals in a range of ways and for a range of purposes, including support and intervention for people with mental illnesses. However, studies have also raised concerns about ensuring animal welfare, integrating the use of animals with existing rehabilitation practices, and the level of knowledge about Human Animal Interaction. Thus, there is a need for a basic framework and consistent terminology in order to enable discussions of which ways we can employ animals in rehabilitation, and what the potential benefits, the prerequisites and the challenges are. This paper discusses current research in light of the Bio Psycho Social (BPS) model of health and the consensus reached by the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) and Assistance Dogs International (AAI) and proposes a conceptual framework for animal assisted rehabilitation. The BPS model allows overall comparison and integration of research findings and theories from the rather heterogeneous field of Human Animal Interaction. IAHAIO provides terminological clarity by defining four general kinds of intervention that a handler-animal-team can offer. They also supply guidelines for professional ethics and competence of the handler. The AAI defines standards for recruitment, training, certification and placement of assistance/service dogs

The first half of this chapter focuses exclusively on animals that are used in laboratory behavioral research to model wild behavior, what is typically involved, problems associated with this practice, and how behavioral research has revealed scientific problems in the animal model. The second...

A targeted survey was designed with the aim of describing the diffusion of precision livestock farming (PLF) tools in one of the most intensive dairy farming provinces in Italy. Technicians at the Provincial Breeder Association of Cremona interviewed 490 dairy farmers and obtained data regarding the role and age of the respondents, the land owned by the farmers, their herd sizes (HS, lactating plus dry cows, small HS &lt, 101, medium HS 101&ndash, 200, large HS &gt, 200 cows/herd), their average 305 day milk yield (low MY &lt, 9501, medium MY 9501&ndash, 10,500, high MY &gt, 10,500 kg/head), the cow to employed worker ratio (low CW &lt, 33, medium CW 33&ndash, 47, high CW &gt, 47 cows/worker), the use of PLF tools to monitor production, reproduction, and health, and the criteria and motivations for investing in PLF tools. The use of automated MY recording and estrus detection systems was primarily associated with HS (more present in larger farms), followed by MY (more present in more productive farms), and then CW (more present with a high cow: worker ratio). Concern about the time required to manage data was the most common subjective issue identified as negatively affecting the purchase of these tools. The future of PLF use in this region will depend upon the availability of an effective selection of tools on the market.

ResumenLa interacción con los animales de compañía ha resultado efectiva en la reducción de síntomas estrés postraumático, e depresión y ansiedad, consecuentes a la vivencia de un evento traumático; aunque las investigaciones sobre aspectos positivos diferenciales entre personas con y sin animales de compañía han mostrado resultados heterogéneos. Es así que el objetivo del estudio fue comparar los niveles de felicidad subjetiva entre personas con y sin animales de compañía, quienes habían enfrentado un suceso traumático en algún momento de los últimos tres años. Participaron 98 personas residentes en México, 49 tenían perro o gato cuando sucedió el evento y 49 no tenían. Su edad promedio fue 31.4 años (D.E. = 9.3), 65.3 % mujeres y 34.7 % hombres. El principal resultado indica que quienes tenían animales de compañía al momento del evento se consideran actualmente más felices que quienes no tenían. Asimismo, se encontró una correlación positiva y significativa entre felicidad y la percepción de la gente sobre la relación con el animal de compañía. Se concluye que los animales de compañía pueden ayudar a la gente a lograr un crecimiento personal posterior a un evento traumático o estresante.AbstractThe interaction with companion animals has been effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the experience of a traumatic event; although research about differences in positive aspects between pet owners and non-pet owners have shown heterogeneous results. Thus, the objective of the study was to compare subjective happiness perceived between pet owners and non-owners, who had lived a traumatic event at some point in the last three years. Ninety-eight people residing in Mexico, recruited through a non-probabilistic sampling, participated. Half of them had dogs or cats when the event happened and 49 did not have it. Age mean was 31.4 years (SD = 9.3), 65.3 % women and 34.7 % men. The main result indicates that those who had companion animals at the time of the event are currently considered themselves happier than those who did not. Likewise, a positive and significant correlation was found between happiness and people's perception of the relationship with the companion animal. It is concluded that companion animals could help people achieve personal growth after a traumatic or stressful event.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides with a basic foundation to appreciate and understand this unique kinship with all living creatures but also to discover the roots to the overwhelming growing interest in animal-assisted intervention (AAI) and also helps solidify and clarify how the benefits witnessed within this unique bond have prompted numerous professionals to become more curious about the advantages of animal-assisted interventions. Numerous interventions have developed employing a strong belief that relationships with animals contribute to the well-being of people. Their clinical interests stem from their personal convictions and attractions to animals, while others are driven because of their perceived perception that animals may provide a useful alternative for clinical application. The interest in the human/animal connection is heightened in the past few decades as a direct result of mainstream media's and the popular press's coverage of the impact of animals on humans' lives. The essence of case study provided in this chapter portrays how important animals can become in the lives of many, including those with terminal illnesses. A rationale is presented describing the potential benefits to the human/animal connection. It also provides an explanation that could help to understand why some clients are enamored with their pets.

The author in this short text remembers the passing of a beloved pet cat. Cats are beautiful animals and wonderful companions. They evolved together with humans in Africa, subsequently spread over the five continents with them, and became the subject of many human cultural activities, including art, poetry and religion. Abandoned and roaming free, cats readily return to the wild, potentially acquiring many zoonotic infections. Surprisingly, feline company is increasingly used for therapy of mental and other illnesses such as cardiovascular disorders. Responsible ownership and good veterinary care of these marvelous animals under the One Health paradigm are essential to their well-being as well as to that of humans. They are an ethical and small price to pay for the affectively rewarding relationships humans have with these endearing and evocative animals.

Background: With increasing frequency, service dogs are being placed with children with developmental disabilities (DDs). Occupational therapists and other professionals have advocated for the therapeutic use of service dog partnerships to facilitate greater independence and quality of life. There are no studies that examine service dog intervention with adolescents. Method: This study focused on the effects of partnerships between service dogs and three participant dyads, each including an adolescent with DDs and a parent. A single-subject, alternating treatment design was used to compare the effects of two conditions (service dog present or not present). The effects were examined for adolescents’ anxiety behaviors during transitions and during grocery store shopping, for social interactions during grocery store shopping, and for parents’ reported levels of stress. Results: Findings were that service dog partnerships reduced the presence of anxiety behaviors during transitions for one of the three adolescents; reduced the presence of anxiety behaviors during grocery store visits for two of the three adolescents; increased social interactions for all three of the participant dyads; and had no meaningful impact on self-reported parental stress level. Conclusion: For adolescents with DDs, professionals may want to consider service dog partnerships to decrease anxiety behaviors and increase social interactions in the community.

Author(s): Schaffner, Joan E; Wandesforde-Smith, Geoffrey; Wolf, Peter Joseph; Levy, Julie; Riley, Sophie; Farnworth, Mark James