Exploring how people understand animals—and why it matters.

Anthrozoology is the study of relationships between humans and animals. At the Colorado Anthrozoology Lab, a UCCS research group directed by Dr. Michael Kisley, we study those relationships through the lens of human psychology.

Our research examines how people perceive, understand, and make decisions about animals. We are especially interested in beliefs about animals’ emotional lives: whether people see animal emotions as simple or complex, instinctive or authentic, human-like or meaningful in their own right.

These beliefs matter. They shape how people relate to animals, how they respond to animal behavior, and how they make choices that affect animal lives. Our scope of interest includes companion animals, agricultural animals, animals in research and entertainment, and wildlife living both freely and in captivity.