Rate My Professor Lynette Hart

Lynette A. Hart is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Population Health and Reproduction at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her BS from Brigham Young University in 1958, MA from the University of California, Berkeley in 1962, and PhD from Rutgers University in 1976. Hart joined UC Davis in 1982 and advanced to Department Vice-Chair and Professor. She launched one of the nation’s earliest academic programs dedicated to the human-animal bond and taught “Pets in Society” until 2024, mentoring hundreds of students who became leaders in animal behavior and welfare. After more than four decades of service, she retired and transitioned to emerita status, delivering the 2025 New Emeriti Distinguished Lecture for the UC Davis Emeriti Association.

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.