Animals and Us

The psychology of human-animal interactions.

Hal Herzog Ph.D.

Did Eating Human Poop Play a Role in the Evolution of Dogs?

"Interspecific coprophagia Involving human excrement" may have played an important role in the evolution of dogs from wolves.

The Problem of Loving Pets With Behavior Issues

A new study examines the "caretaker burden" associated with loving and living with dogs and cats who have serious behavior problems.

Why Has the “Pet Effect” Meme Spread So Rapidly?

An analysis of press coverage of "the pet effect" partially explains the mismatch between our beliefs about the impact of dogs and cats on human health and what the science says.

Can Pets Really Help Fight America's Obesity Epidemic?

Do pets really save Americans nearly a billion dollars every year in obesity-related health care costs?

How Many People Who Die By Suicide First Kill Their Pets?

Incidents in which pets are killed by suicidal owners are probably going to increase dramatically.

Can Pets Relieve Loneliness In the Age of Coronavirus?

People are flocking to animal shelters to adopt and foster dogs and cats. Here's what the science says about the connection between pets and loneliness.

Viruses of the Mind: The Great Irish Setter Epidemic of 1963

Research on fads for dog breeds reveals surprising similarities between the spread of viral infections and the spread of rapid changes in cultural preferences.

The Odd Demography of Loving Pets: Sex, Money, and Race

Thanks to new representative national study, we know a lot more about the impact of sex, race, ethnicity, and money on human-pet relationships in the United States.

What Should Vegetarians and Vegans Feed Their Pets?

Many vegetarians and vegans are morally conflicted over the diets of their companion animals. Do plant-based dog and cat foods offer a solution to "the vegetarian's dilemma?"

Does Talking to Your Pet Mean You're Smarter?

The internet is rife with articles claiming that people who talk to their pets are smarter than people who do not. Is this a scientific fact or fake news?

The Sad Truth About Pet Ownership and Depression

Getting a pet is often recommended as a treatment for depression. But what does science say about the ability of a companion animal to chase away the blues?

The Vegetarian’s Dilemma: Do Fish Qualify as Meat?

The question of which animals we think of as meat is psychologically interesting as well as morally important.

Do Pet Owners Have Lower Suicide Rates?

Companion animals can reduce loneliness and stave off feelings of social rejection. Does this mean pet owners have lower rates of suicide?

Do Purebreds (But Not Mutts) Reduce Dog Owner Death Rates?

A new study of 350,000 heart attack and stroke victims found lower odds of death in owners of purebred dogs but not mixed-breed or lap-dog breeds. The question is, why?

Does Your Dog Really Want a Trip to the Beauty Parlor?

Extreme dog grooming, pet day spas, and canine beauty pageants reflect the blurred links between humans and animals in popular culture.

Do Emotional Support Animals Need Emotional Support?

The skyrocketing use of emotional support animals raises serious animal welfare issues.

The Strange Link Between Pet Ownership and Cancer In Women

The results of three new studies on the relationship between cancer and pet ownership are good news for dog owners and men, but bad news for women who own cats or birds.

Did Breast-Feeding Play A Role In the Evolution of Pets?

While it seems perverse today, in many cultures lactating women routinely breast-fed baby animals. What role did this practice play in the evolution of pet-keeping?

Is a Love of Dogs Mostly a Matter of Where You Live?

Why is an American four times more likely to live with dog than a person in Switzerland? And are there "cat nations" and "dog nations?"

Do Our Genes Really Affect Our Relationships With Pets?

A new study of identical and fraternal twins reveals surprising results about the influence of heredity and family on our relationships with dogs.

Do Therapy Dogs Belong in Hospital Emergency Rooms?

Therapy dogs are often seen in the corridors of hospitals these days. But do they belong in emergency rooms?

Why Do Kids Become Less Attached To Pets As They Get Older?

Both boys and girls become less attached to their pets as they enter adolescence. Is this the natural consequence of considering pets as family members?

Recent Research Shows How To Get People To Cut Back On Meat

It is difficult for most people to completely give up eating meat. But hundreds of millions of animals would be saved if everyone ate even one additional meatless meal a week.

Should Self-Driving Cars Spare People Over Pets?

Do people everywhere agree that autonomous vehicles should prioritize a human life—even if it means running over a dog or cat?

Media Coverage of Pet Therapy Research Often Gets It Wrong

A randomized control trial found therapy dogs did not benefit children undergoing cancer treatments. But that is not what the press reported.

Here's Why There Will Be a Lot Fewer Animals on Planes

New airlines rules will mean fewer emotional support animals on planes but could improve animal welfare.

The Baffling Connection Between Vegetarianism and Depression

Recent large-scale studies have found that vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be depressed than omnivores.

How Important Is the Animal in Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Yale University researchers report that free play with therapy dogs enhances the well-being of stressed out kids.

Tripping Over Pets Can Have Life-Changing Consequences

Pet ownership may have some health benefits, but every year many thousands of people suffer severe injuries caused by tripping over dogs and cats.

"Fido" or "Freddie"? Why Do Some Pet Names Become Popular?

Nowadays, more dogs are named "Charlie" or "Annie" than "Spot" or "Rover." The top 100 dog names tend to have three characteristics. How does your pet's name match up?

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