Many of us have been deeply affected by our personal experiences with pets. But companion animals have also had a lasting impact on society.

This book examines the rich cultural significance of pets across the globe and throughout history. A collection of more than 125 encyclopedia entries explores the many ways companion animals have shaped and continue to shape human society, offering a broad yet carefully curated introduction to the topic. Entries include cross-references to related topics, helping readers make connections and build a more robust conceptual framework. Further readings at the end of each entry serve as a gateway to more in-depth study. Augmenting the main text and bringing it to life are 10 Pet Profile sidebars – essays written by everyday people from around the world describing their lives with pets. These essays put a human (as well as a furry, feathery, or scaly) face to the book's content and explore the intersection of individual and cultural experiences.

For thousands of years, the animals we today think of as pets have filled many roles. They have helped us hunt and farm, provided pest control, served as protectors, and offered us companionship. In fact, some researchers believe that the domestication of the dog was the single innovation that allowed humans to spread across the globe. Given the varied and vital roles they've played, it's no surprise that pets have had an enormous impact on society and culture. From the ancient Egyptian practice of mummifying cats because they were considered guardians of the underworld to the 21st-century phenomenon of throwing a birthday party for your pet, discover the many cultural facets of the human-animal bond.