Rate My Professor Lynette Hart

Hart’s research centers on human-animal interactions (anthrozoology), animal behavior, and welfare. Her interests include effects of spay-neuter timing on companion animal health, assistance dogs’ roles for people with disabilities, occupational stress among animal care professionals, cats’ behaviors and human interactions, and wildlife studies such as elephant yawning, giraffe courtship, and antelope grooming. Notable publications include “Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers” (2014), “Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence” (2016), “Neutering dogs: effects on joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers” (2013), “The effects of service dogs on social acknowledgments of people in wheelchairs” (1988), and “Sexual behavior: Ultrasonic postejaculatory song of the male rat” (1972). She co-authored the book “The Perfect Puppy” (1988) and numerous book chapters. Awards include the 2017 Distinguished Anthrozoologist Award for lifetime achievement and 2016 Fellowship from the International Society for Anthrozoology, Honorary Membership in Japan’s Society for the Study of Human-Animal Relations (1995-2020), and extensive visiting professorships at universities in Japan, Finland, Grenada, and South Africa. Her pioneering work has shaped anthrozoology, influenced veterinary practices on neutering, and advanced global animal welfare through fieldwork in Africa and Asia.