A Bright Future for Human-Animal Interaction Research

Scientific research on the many ways that human-animal interaction can impact human health and wellness has never been more relevant to society than it is today. The importance of companion animals to people across the globe was reinforced by a global pandemic that saw the widespread reliance on these animals for comfort and support. There are also deep societal divisions in the United States and around the world, making the power of companion animals to bring people together all the more essential. It is in this context that participants in the 2021 Centers for the Human Animal Bond Conference came together to chart the current state and future direction of this important and growing field of research.
The momentum in this field is fueled by its relevance to society. An increased focus on both education and translational research, connecting the dots so that human-animal interaction research has maximum utility for practitioners and the public, is a welcome development. This real-world impact will continue to drive research funding and the establishment of even more centers of excellence in human-animal interaction research in academic institutions around the world.
Robust international participation in the 2021 Centers for the Human Animal Bond Conference reflected both the universal nature of the human-animal bond across cultures and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the research community. The conference organizers deserve special praise for a thought-provoking agenda that generated the topics and concepts for this special issue; the field of human-animal interaction research is advancing and evolving thanks to their hard work and commitment.
There is cause for great optimism. The creativity, intelligence, energy, and collegiality of the Conference participants and their drive for connection and collaboration is a strong indicator of a bright future for the field of human-animal interaction research. Those same qualities are reflected in the articles contained in this special issue. Please read them with the future in mind. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, or pet owner, please contemplate how you can contribute to this ongoing endeavor and the vital work to come.