Animals and Us

Attachment

The Surprising Link Between Pet Attachment and Mental Health

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 2, 2025

Owners relying on pets as substitutes for human connection may struggle.

Owners relying on pets as substitutes for human connection may struggle.

Animal Behavior

Why Do Dog Breeds With Genetic Problems Become Popular?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on July 20, 2025

Popular “flat-faced” dogs like French bulldogs suffer from a host of genetic disorders. New research shows the public and even owners prefer less extreme versions of these breeds.

Popular “flat-faced” dogs like French bulldogs suffer from a host of genetic disorders. New research shows the public and even owners prefer less extreme versions of these breeds.

Behavioral Economics

Why We Spend So Much Money on Our Pets

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 7, 2025

The behavioral economics of pet speciesism.

The behavioral economics of pet speciesism.

Emotion Regulation

Will Spending Time with Your Dog Cheer You Up?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 30, 2024

A rigorous new study finds that just 10 minutes of interacting with pet dogs improves the emotional well-being of distressed owners.

A rigorous new study finds that just 10 minutes of interacting with pet dogs improves the emotional well-being of distressed owners.

Gender

Why Are There More Female Than Male Vegetarians?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 25, 2024

Men and women turn to vegetarianism for very different reasons.

Men and women turn to vegetarianism for very different reasons.

Animal Behavior

The Puzzling Relationship Between Pets and Child Development

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 11, 2024

Does research support the belief that having a pet improves the emotional, social, and behavioral well-being of children?

Does research support the belief that having a pet improves the emotional, social, and behavioral well-being of children?

Grief

Why Someone Might See the Ghost of a Pet

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on April 9, 2024

Subjective encounters with deceased family members are common across cultures. Supernatural experiences with dead pets may help bereaved dog lovers cope with extended grief.

Subjective encounters with deceased family members are common across cultures. Supernatural experiences with dead pets may help bereaved dog lovers cope with extended grief.

Animal Behavior

Would Getting a Pet Help You Live Longer?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on February 13, 2024

According to astronomer Carl Sagan, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." Does the claim that pet owners live longer pass the extraordinary evidence requirement?

According to astronomer Carl Sagan, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." Does the claim that pet owners live longer pass the extraordinary evidence requirement?

Biophilia

Is Love of Nature in Our Genes?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 28, 2023

The new Biophilia Reactivity Hypothesis argues that our attraction to the natural world is not an instinct but a measurable temperament trait.

The new Biophilia Reactivity Hypothesis argues that our attraction to the natural world is not an instinct but a measurable temperament trait.

Animal Behavior

Do Pets Really Help Aging People Stay Mentally Sharp?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 13, 2023

While the results are mixed, new studies point to a possible link between pet-keeping and maintaining mental sharpness in people as they age.

While the results are mixed, new studies point to a possible link between pet-keeping and maintaining mental sharpness in people as they age.

Animal Behavior

For People With HIV, Pets Can Be a Barrier to Healthcare

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 21, 2023

New research finds that pet ownership is a barrier to medical services for many people with HIV.

New research finds that pet ownership is a barrier to medical services for many people with HIV.

Animal Behavior

Do Pets Really Save $23 Billion a Year in Health Care Costs?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on June 27, 2023

There are lots of good reasons for having a pet in your life, but reducing your medical bills is not one of them.

There are lots of good reasons for having a pet in your life, but reducing your medical bills is not one of them.

Guilt

Do You Suffer Guilt Over Owning a Pet?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on June 12, 2023

Guilt related to pet ownership is surprisingly common. New studies link pet-owner guilt with depression, anxiety, and the conflicting demands of pet care and work.

Guilt related to pet ownership is surprisingly common. New studies link pet-owner guilt with depression, anxiety, and the conflicting demands of pet care and work.

Environment

How Can Meat Consumption Be Both Increasing and Decreasing?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on May 2, 2023

Americans seem to simultaneously be eating more meat and less meat. How can this be, and what difference does this paradox make?

Americans seem to simultaneously be eating more meat and less meat. How can this be, and what difference does this paradox make?

Animal Behavior

What Do Pet Owners Believe About Dog and Cat Emotions?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 30, 2023

Do pets experience complex emotions like jealousy, grief, and happiness? Here is what pet owners think about the emotional capacities of their cats and dogs.

Do pets experience complex emotions like jealousy, grief, and happiness? Here is what pet owners think about the emotional capacities of their cats and dogs.

Intelligence

Are Humans Superior to Other Animals?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 14, 2023

Many animal species exhibit behaviors such as tool-making that were once considered uniquely human. But when it comes to language and culture, humans are truly exceptional.

Many animal species exhibit behaviors such as tool-making that were once considered uniquely human. But when it comes to language and culture, humans are truly exceptional.

Psychiatry

The Use and Misuse of Emotional Support Animals

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on February 13, 2023

In a new study, 60 percent of emotional support animal owners misrepresented their animals so they could enter stores, restaurants, and parks.

In a new study, 60 percent of emotional support animal owners misrepresented their animals so they could enter stores, restaurants, and parks.

Psychiatry

Do Emotional Support Animals Actually Help?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 19, 2022

Is federal legislation that allows people suffering from mental illnesses to live with emotional support animals in no-pet housing based on actual evidence?

Is federal legislation that allows people suffering from mental illnesses to live with emotional support animals in no-pet housing based on actual evidence?

Media

The Meatless Thanksgiving Dinner Paradox

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 22, 2022

More Americans will have a plant-based Thanksgiving this year, and the number of vegetarians and vegans has doubled, so why hasn't meat consumption dropped?

More Americans will have a plant-based Thanksgiving this year, and the number of vegetarians and vegans has doubled, so why hasn't meat consumption dropped?

Animal Behavior

Does Your Dog Really Have a Better Life Than Other Dogs?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 4, 2022

People tend to believe they are above average in traits ranging from driving ability to their sense of humor. Does this cognitive bias also apply to being a good dog owner?

People tend to believe they are above average in traits ranging from driving ability to their sense of humor. Does this cognitive bias also apply to being a good dog owner?