ANIMAL SCIENCE 11:067:142 - Companion Animal Science

Human-Animal Bond

A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both.

AVMA

American Veterinary Medical Association

Anthropomorphizing

To assign human traits, qualities, emotions to animals.

What is the issue with anthropomorphizing animals?

Animals do not have the same needs as humans.

What can anthropomorphizing animals lead to?

It can lead to humans not providing proper welfare.

What is an example of animals having different needs than humans?

Horses and cattle do better in cold environments rather than in the heat.

What does anthropomorphizing interfere with?

The boundary between humans and animals.

What are some facets of a good human-animal bond?

- Mutual respecting, trusting, and beneficial relationship.
- Humans provide comfort and care.

True or False: Companion Animal Science is a new concept.

True.

How can animals and humans affect each other's psychological needs?

Animals can be psychologically helpful to humans, but the effect of this on animals is not fully known yet.

Why is the human-animal bond a dynamic relationship?

Non-working pets that reside inside only is a relatively new concept, so the human-animal relationship has changed greatly.

One Health

Recognizes that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals, the environment, and vice versa.

What is a companion animal?

Domesticated species of animals which live in close proximity and have a mutually beneficial relationship with humans.

What is a companion animal in context of the Companion Animal Science class?

Any animal kept as a pet.

Why is "companion animal" a challenging and dynamic definition?

Not all pets are domesticated breeds, not all domesticated breeds are pets.

What is companion animal science?

The study of companion animals which includes how we interact with them, care for their needs, etc.

Why is companion animal science a subject one studies?

It is a recent study that has seen an uptake in interest as more people around the world have pets.

How does capitalism affect companion animal science?

People are spending more money on their animals which creates incentive for pet industries.

Working Dogs

Police, cadaver, search and rescue, herd dogs.

Why is the discipline of companion animal science growing?

People are adopting/buying more pets which leads to more interest in studying species.

What recent global event resulted in an influx of animals in shelters?

The COVID pandemic; pets were adopted during lockdown and returned after owners went back to work.

How is the companion animal relationship a two-way street?

There is a bond formed between the human and the animal AND the animal and the human.

Domesticated Species

Animals that have been selectively bred by humans and have different genetics than "wild" ancestors.

Artificial Selection/Selective Breeding

The human practice of breeding animals that have certain desired traits.

What are some effects of artificial selection?

Causes extreme heritable traits, prioritizes aesthetics over function, makes animals completely dependent on humans.

Types of Companion Animals

Dogs, cats, horses, frogs, snakes, lizards, ferrets, rodents, emus, pigs, sometimes "wild" or livestock animals.

Why are livestock difficult to own as companion animals?

Cannot legally be given certain medication and have to comply to zoning laws.

What are some responsibilities of companion animal owners?

- Time to provide care.
- Nutrition.
- Housing/habitat.
- Financial ability.
- Providing needs to minimize stress, maximize welfare.
- Exercise and enrichment.
- Training.
- Proper knowledge, research BEFORE getting a pet.
- Healthcare (vaccinations, check-ups, medication, treatment).
- Grooming, hoof/nail trimming.
- Spaying/neutering.
- Socializing (species specific).
- Desensitizing.
- Accommodating needs based on life-stage.

What is the main concern of keeping an "uncommon" companion animal?

Ethics.