Supporting human-animal interaction research

Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interaction. Animals contribute to our world in countless ways – from the joys of having a companion animal to the highly trained specialist in areas like health, security and border protection. It truly is amazing what animals give us.

In areas of health, the possibilities and benefits of animals to humans is proving virtually endless. In fact, there are so many benefits and possibilities, that in May 2011, the Australian Anthrozoology Research Foundation (AARF) was founded with the aim of maximising human health through supporting scholarly research in human-animal relationships.

The vision of the Australian Anthrozoology Research Foundation is to create a world where relationships with animals are recognised and valued as being integral for people to reach their full health potential.

AARF know that interactions with companion animals can profoundly enhance the health and wellbeing of humans. Dogs have been used for decades to assist the vision impaired and are increasingly being trained to provide additional specialist services. Such specialist areas include: assisting children with autism for communication and social skills; monitoring blood sugar levels for diabetics; detecting certain types of cancer; and helping overcome phobias. In more examples, horses have been used for therapy for the vision impaired and the physically challenged as well as for rebuilding relationships and trust with children who’ve been abused.

Even without specialist training, a small army of volunteers visit nursing homes and hospitals with their pets each week, reporting miraculous effects on some of those who interact with the visiting animals. These include the very young and the very old, some of our most vulnerable and underserviced community members.

At Adore Animals, we’ve long known the benefits that animals have on humans, in fact, we published a coffee table book on the benefits that animals have on children. The book is called Moments of Connection – check out the video of the book here and testimonials here.

It’s the perfect synergy to help the AARF by the sale of this book, that’s why we’ve teamed up with this fantastic organisation, with all profits going to their ongoing work.