The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs

Psychologists for the Promotion of Animal Welfare (PAWS)

As part of the Australian Psychological Society, the Psychologists for the Promotion of Animal Welfare (PAWS) interest group endeavours to promote and apply psychological knowledge that fosters positive relations between human and non-human animals. The group provides a forum for research and professional exchange on the role of psychology in promoting animal welfare and is becoming a recognized source of psychological expertise on the relationships between human and non-human animals and the related psychological well-being of both.

The group is broad in focus so as to encompass relationships between humans, animals and companion animals, wildlife, farm animals, and animals used in research. It aims:

• to foster and maintain alliances with other groups whose aims are congruent with those of the group,
• to disseminate empirically based information on issues of relevance (e.g. importance of biodiversity for psychological well-being; the role of companion animals in psychological well-being, particularly for the elderly in modern society; the relationship between empathy toward other species and humans),
• to other professionals, including psychologists, as well as to members of the general public, and
• to develop a capacity to formulate policies regarding human and non-human animal interactions and to respond to the policy decisions of others.

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