Companion Animals in Everyday Life

"The rising general interest in animal companions and their welfare has been paralleled by the growth of 'human-animal studies' in the social sciences and related academic disciplines. This edited collection is a significant addition to the literature in this substantive area. The collection offers a broad range of topics-from the resurgence of pet-keeping in Soviet Russia to the popularity of house rabbits-in chapters written by both established authorities and young scholars. This unique and internationally focused book is a frequently lively collection that will be of great interest both to knowledgeable readers and those who want a varied and readable introduction to human-animal studies." (Clinton R. Sanders, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Connecticut, USA, and author of "Understanding Dogs: Living and Working with Canine Companions") "Companion Animals in Everyday Life offers a fascinating overview of contemporary research on human-animal relationships. From the exploding worldwide popularity of rabbits as companion animals to conflicts over dog-eating in China and the impact of the Japanese nuclear plant disaster on human-animal bonds, this is an important book which beautifully captures the intellectual ferment of this new and exciting academic field."(Hal Herzog, author of "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It's So Hard To Think Straight About Animals")

aThis book is an interdisciplinary collection shedding light on human-animal relationships and interactions around the world. The book offers a predominantly empirical look at social and cultural practices related to companion animals in Mexico, Poland, the Netherlands, Japan, China and Taiwan, Vietnam, USA, and Turkey among others. It focuses on how dogs, cats, rabbits and members of other species are perceived and treated in various cultures, highlighting commonalities and differences between them.