Human-animal interaction: the hormonal connection
Human Animal Interaction Human animal interaction (HAI) studies have traditionally relied on observed behaviour to gain insights into how people and animals engage with each other. But such appro...
Mars landmark global pets and wellbeing study program launched
The relationship between humans and pets is unique and fascinating. For several decades, Waltham has been committed to advancing scientific understanding of human-animal interaction, investigating hea...
First-of-its-kind risk assessment tool ensures the highest standards for animal-assisted interventions in schools
In any animal-assisted therapy setting, the safety and welfare of all involved are paramount – from the students and other participants to the staff and the animals.To ensure these interventions ...
5 ways we’re advancing science to help dogs live happy, healthy lives
The unconditional support dogs offer us may have been particularly valuable for some of us during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. On National Dog Day - and every today - we celebrate our companions’ r...
Being Well Together: Rethinking the human-animal bond
For decades, research has sought proof that the human-animal bond improves our wellbeing. But findings have been mixed. Some studies highlight reduced loneliness for pet owners, along with stress reli...
Researchers call for more studies looking at role of pets in healthy aging
Across the developed world, populations are ageing. On one level this is great news: we are all living longer. But the downside is a growing raft of health and social problems that can make the later ...
Could pets make good study buddies?
Young people are often sagely advised that their schooldays are the “best days of their life”, but could they be made even better by the addition of a non-human classmate? In some schools, along with ...
Is the pressure to be a ‘responsible’ pet owner increasing?
Britain has long been thought of as a nation of pet lovers. Nearly half of UK households have at least one pet, but the last 40 years have seen many changes in attitudes to animals and their ownership...
