Lynette A. Hart

Lynette A. Hart is a Professor and Department Vice-Chair in the Department of Population Health & Reproduction at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. She is a leading figure in anthrozoology and animal behavior research, with a strong focus on human-animal interactions, animal welfare, and behavioral health.

Her educational background includes:

• BS, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (1958)
• MA, University of California, Berkeley (1962)
• PhD, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey (1976)

Dr. Hart's research centers on human-animal interactions, including assistance dogs, children and pets, and the psychological impacts of pet loss. She also investigates basic animal behavior, notably yawning in elephants, and promotes animal welfare in education through alternatives to dissection. Her work aligns with public scholarship initiatives aimed at improving individual and community well-being.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in anthrozoology, particularly exploring emotional bonds between humans and animals, behavioral indicators of health and stress, and ethical considerations in animal-assisted interventions. Her work bridges veterinary science, psychology, and education.

Her notable scientific honors include:

• Honorary Member, Society for the Study of Human-Animal Relations, Japan (1995–2020)
• Fellow, International Society for Anthrozoology (2016)
• Distinguished Anthrozoologist Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (2017)

Dr. Hart has been actively involved in mentoring students and researchers, co-authoring book chapters with scholars such as M. Yamamoto and L. L. M. Messam. She has led multiple research grants funded by organizations including Pfizer/Zoetis, Winn Foundation, Koret Foundation, and the Maine Coon Club. These projects focus on refining welfare assessment methods in cats, evaluating spay-neuter impacts, and studying therapy dog welfare. Her advisory roles extend internationally, with visiting professorships across Japan, the Caribbean, and South Africa.

She has led five major research topics in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, covering children and pets, assistance dogs, spay-neuter strategies, zoo professional well-being, and cat behavior. Her innovative teaching methods include using clay models instead of dissection and simulating clinical behavior consultations with students’ own pets.