This diverse, global, and interdisciplinary volume explores the existing research, practice, and ethical issues pertinent to the field of human-animal interactions (HAIs), interventions, and anthrozoology, focusing on the perceived physical and mental health benefits to humans and the challenges derived from these relationships. The book begins by exploring the basic theoretical principles of anthrozoology and HAI, such as the evolution and history of the field, the importance of language, the economic costs and current perspectives to physical and mental wellbeing, the origins of domestication of animals, anthropomorphism, and how animals fit into human societies. Chapters then move onto practice, covering topics such as how animals help childhood and adulthood development, pet ownership, disability, the roles of pets for people with psychiatric disorders, the links between animal and domestic abuse, and then more widely into the therapeutic roles of animals, animal-assisted therapies, interactions outside the home, working animals, animals in popular culture, and animals in research, for leisure, and food. Including chapters on a wide range of animals, from domesticated pets to wildlife, this collection examines the benefits yet also reveals the complexity, and often dark side, of human-animal relations. Interweaving accessible commentaries with revealing chapters throughout the text, this collection would be of great interest to students and practitioners in the fields of mental health, psychology, veterinary medicine, zoology, biology, social work, history, and sociology. "Anthrozoology - It’s such a broad interdisciplinary field! No wonder this new edited book by Aubrey Fine and his associates has over 50 chapters: something for everyone. I love seeing chapters by pioneers like Erika Friedmann and Susan Cohen, but also new names writing on animal topics related to developmental disabilities, crises, popular culture, leisure, cinema, ecotourism, and, of course, wildlife. This book will give anthrozoology new prominence in disciplines where it has a significant role but is still unknown by many people." Lynette A. Hart, MA, PhD, Professor of Anthrozoology and Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine "If you are looking for a current and comprehensive resource on anthrozoology and human-animal interactions, this handbook is it! Chapters reflect the diverse and interdisciplinary field of anthrozoology, going beyond animal-assisted interventions to also address ethics, animal cognition and sentience, animal abuse, human-wildlife interactions, working and emotional support animals, and more. Authored by accomplished leaders in their content areas, this handbook will be a valuable resource for those interested in the field and more experienced researchers and practitioners." Sandra B. Barker, PhD, NCC, LPC, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant, Founding Director and Senior Advisor, School of Medicine Center for Human-Animal Interaction, Virginia Commonwealth University The Routledge International Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology is a book many of us have been waiting for! This extraordinary resource, assembled under the guidance of the fields most committed luminaries, covers numerous issues at the forefront of the transdisciplinary field of human animal interaction, critical animal studies and anthrozoology. With a focused emphasis on fairness and justice and forming reciprocal relationships with other animals, this timely and incredibly important compendium to the field of Human-Animal Interaction includes over 50 chapters encompassing the work of more that 100 leading thinkers, scholars, clinicians, researchers, and human-animal bond academic centers. The field of human-animal interaction and the anthrozoology literature, more than ever, has needed a go-to source offering contemporary understanding of the many intersectional and interconnected considerations of our relationships with other non-human members of our families and communities. This book is by far, the most comprehensive array of diverse and thought-provoking literature on this topic, making this a landmark publishing and academic achievement for promoting the relationship between people and other animals." Philip Tedeschi, LCSW, Clinical Professor Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Affiliated Faculty and Director Emeritus, Institute for Animal Sentience and Protection "What a pleasant experience: reading this handbook on human-animal interactions and anthrozoology. In a natural and careful way, the editors collected relevant and actual topics to be filled in by experienced scholars and practitioners to teach students and newbies in this wonderful field. It provides a wealth of information and addresses the multidisciplinary character of the field in a transparent way. The Routledge Internation Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions and