Human-Animal Interaction

The effects of human presence, restraint, and stressed neighbors on corticosterone levels in domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Limiting stress during interactions between captive animals and humans is important for effective husbandry. One physiological change during the vertebrate stress response is the release of glucocorticoid hormones. Here, we measured plasma corticosterone in female domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) to...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Handling, Human-Animal Interaction, RestraintAnimal Type: Bird, Parrot

Citation: Reichard, D. G., Summers, K. V. 2026. The effects of human presence, restraint, and stressed neighbors on corticosterone levels in domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Zoo Biology 45(1), 37–45.

Gentle stroking induces conditioned place preference in rats: Implications for animal welfare

Gentle tactile interaction with humans has been proposed as a form of social enrichment for laboratory animals; however, its direct reinforcing properties remain underexplored. Therefore, this study tested whether brief, gentle stroking can function as a positive reinforcer in adolescent...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Nagaishi, T., Shiomi, S. 2026. Gentle stroking induces conditioned place preference in rats: Implications for animal welfare. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 83, 35–39.

Is it more stressful for dogs to be examined on a table versus the floor–A randomized crossover study

Studies have stated that dogs are more stressed undergoing a physical examination on a table. Although it is recommended to examine dogs on the floor to minimize stress, it has yet to be empirically explored whether dogs experience less stress...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Mercier, P., Wilson, C., Bazin, I. et al. 2025. Is it more stressful for dogs to be examined on a table versus the floor–A randomized crossover study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 82, 20–27.

Sex differences in the enjoyment of enrichment: Affective bias testing confirms female rats prefer more playful and less vigorous tickling

There is increasing interest in positive animal welfare which emphasizes that animals should experience predominantly positive mental states. Positive animal welfare raises challenging biological questions, including how we assess positive experiences. Rat tickling mimics rough and tumble play; it is...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Gonzalez, C., Lawrence, A. B., Mendl, M. et al. 2026. Sex differences in the enjoyment of enrichment: Affective bias testing confirms female rats prefer more playful and less vigorous tickling. Biology Letters 22(4), 20260075.

Affective and behavioural interactions between human handlers and laboratory rats

In laboratory settings, human–rat interactions are necessary and frequent, yet the impact of different handlers on the behaviour of the animal is underexplored. This study examined how human behavioural responses - confidence, experience, and physiological arousal - relate to affective...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Feddo, C. C., Robinson, E. S. J., Hinchcliffe, J. K. 2026. Affective and behavioural interactions between human handlers and laboratory rats. Behavioural Brain Research 505, 116115.

Affective and behavioural interactions between human handlers and laboratory rats

Year Published: 2026Topics: Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Feddo, C. C., Robinson, E. S. J., Hinchcliffe, J. K. 2026. Affective and behavioural interactions between human handlers and laboratory rats. Behavioural Brain Research 505, 116115.

When touch is stressful: Acute endocrine and behavioral responses of domestic rabbits to unfamiliar human handling

Background Rabbits are increasingly kept as companion animals, yet little is known about their stress responses during interactions with unfamiliar humans—situations commonly encountered during household visits or animal-assisted interventions. This study evaluated whether tactile interaction with an unfamiliar person induced...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Součková, M., Frühauf Kolářová, M., Přibylová, L. et al. 2026. When touch is stressful: Acute endocrine and behavioral responses of domestic rabbits to unfamiliar human handling. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 13.

Effect of noise on bornean orangutans’ glucocorticoid metabolite (GCM) levels

Zoos are increasingly hosting out-of-hours events such as ‘Music Nights’ to increase visitation, raising potential animal welfare concerns due to anthropogenic noise pollution. This study examined the physiological stress response, measured through faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM), of Bornean orangutans (Pongo...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Human-Animal Interaction, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Queiroz, M. B. de, Passos, L. F., Azevedo, C. S. de et al. 2025. Effect of noise on bornean orangutans’ glucocorticoid metabolite (GCM) levels. Animals 15(23).

The influence of environmental conditions and husbandry practices on goat welfare

Goat (Capra hircus) welfare is an important issue in any farming system. The aim of the study was a comprehensive analysis of the impact of environmental factors and farming practices on the welfare of goats, with particular attention to physical,...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Body Modification/Mutilation, Environmental Enrichment, Human-Animal Interaction, Husbandry & Management, Rearing & Weaning, Social Housing & Companionship, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Goat

Citation: Pilarczyk, R., Bąkowska, M., Tomza-Marciniak, A. et al. 2026. The influence of environmental conditions and husbandry practices on goat welfare. Animals 16(5).

Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) husbandry and their welfare

A key diagnostic tool in breeding practice is systematic observation: by identifying abnormalities in natural behaviour, it can highlight early signs of reduced welfare or physical and mental health issues in livestock and other animals. The aim of this paper...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Human-Animal Interaction, Husbandry & Management, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Other Animal

Citation: Pilarczyk, R., Bąkowska, M., Pilarczyk, B. et al. 2025. Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) husbandry and their welfare. Animals 15(21).