A new study in the open-access journal Animals examines the links between pet ownership, loneliness, and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also provides evidence that many people perce...
Decades of research have shown us that the special bond we share with animals is as nuanced as it is rewarding. At a time when the global pandemic continues to keep us physically apart from loved ones...
The global population is ageing. According to recent UN data, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is expected to more than double by 2050, and to more than triple by 2100. This will have impli...
Pet owners report stronger neighbourhood social connections than non-pet owners according to a newly published study. They were consistently more likely to report social benefits such as helpfulness, ...
Barely a week passes without a media story claiming that pets benefit human health and well-being. Companion animals are increasingly used as ‘therapeutic tools’ in medical and mental health care. But...
Bringing a dog into a school classroom may delight students, but could it actually help them learn better? The question is increasingly pertinent, as many schools regularly introduce animals into clas...
One in six American children is exposed to physical violence at home by the time they are 17. It is a disturbing statistic, and one that underlies a growing awareness of serious emotional and behavio...
When you gaze into your dog’s face and he gazes back at you, do you ever wonder what is going on? The ‘mutual gaze’ between individuals is an important aspect of social communication and is essential ...