Animals and Us

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 our attraction to the natural world is not an instinct but a measurable temperament trait.

The new Biophilia Reactivity Hypothesis argues 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?

Genetics

More Evidence Suggests That Vegetarianism Is Mostly Due to Genes

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on August 29, 2022

New research dissects the nature and nurture of giving up meat.

New research dissects the nature and nurture of giving up meat.

Health

Is Time With Pets Good for Our Cardiovascular Health?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on August 11, 2022

Will interacting with a dog decrease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure? Here's what 129 studies discovered about the biology underlying the human-dog bond.

Will interacting with a dog decrease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure? Here's what 129 studies discovered about the biology underlying the human-dog bond.

Ethics and Morality

Vaccinations, Vegans, and the Problem of Moral Consistency

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on July 19, 2022

Attitudes towards animals are often inconsistent. For example, many Americans oppose animal research yet support the development of COVID vaccines tested on animals.

Attitudes towards animals are often inconsistent. For example, many Americans oppose animal research yet support the development of COVID vaccines tested on animals.

Anxiety

Do You Suffer From Pet-Related Separation Anxiety?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

Many people become anxious when they are separated from their pets. Two studies reveal insight into this important yet rarely-studied aspect of the human-animal bond.

Many people become anxious when they are separated from their pets. Two studies reveal insight into this important yet rarely-studied aspect of the human-animal bond.

Animal Behavior

What You Didn't Know About Having a Pandemic Pet

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on May 27, 2022

COVID lockdowns offer researchers a unique opportunity to assess the impact of pets on human mental health. The results of these studies are surprising.

COVID lockdowns offer researchers a unique opportunity to assess the impact of pets on human mental health. The results of these studies are surprising.

Intelligence

Do Kids and Adults Value Animal Lives Differently?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on April 29, 2022

New research sheds light on developmental changes in human thinking about the moral status of different species of animals.

New research sheds light on developmental changes in human thinking about the moral status of different species of animals.