معرفی
Professor Pauleen Bennett is a leading scholar in Anthrozoology at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus, serving in the Department of Psychology, Counseling and Therapy within the College of Science, Health and Engineering since 2018. Her research program centers on human-companion animal relationships, particularly focusing on the psychological dimensions of human-dog bonds, veterinary wellbeing, and child-pet interactions.
Her research interests span Anthrozoology, Human-Animal Relationships, and Companion Animal Psychology, with particular emphasis on dog behavior, veterinary burnout, and the therapeutic applications of human-animal bonds. Bennett leads the Anthrozoology Research Group (www.anthrozoologyresearchgroup.com) and has made significant contributions to understanding how animals impact human mental health across diverse contexts from farms to universities.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) human-animal relationship measurement tools development, (2) veterinary workplace wellbeing challenges, and (3) practical applications of human-animal bonds in agricultural, educational, and healthcare settings. Her work consistently bridges theoretical psychology with practical animal welfare applications.
Bennett previously served as Associate Editor for Anthrozoos and on the board of the International Society for Anthrozoology. She co-supervises higher degree students across multiple Australian universities and maintains active community engagement through the Anthrozoology Research Group.
Her funded research includes the Wildlife Victoria Inc Mental Health and Wellbeing Review (2021-2024), which developed recommended good practice guidelines for wildlife volunteer support programs. Bennett also serves as a consultant on human-animal interaction projects, translating academic research into practical community applications.
Bennett maintains a productive research laboratory focused on human-animal interactions, with current projects examining puppy socialization practices, veterinary technician burnout, and the psychological benefits of animal-assisted interventions in university settings. Her Bendigo-based laboratory operates in close collaboration with Australian farms, veterinary clinics, and community organizations.
