The Science of Pets

“The Science of Pets paints a vivid picture of what we know about our relationship to dogs and cats, as well as a variety of exotic pets, like horses, parrots, and even robots. In a light accessible manner, Jay Ingram tells us about the people and personalities that are attracted to different pets, and even whether it is true that people look like their dogs. A must-read for all pet owners.” — STANLEY COREN, author of How to Speak Dog and How Dogs Think“Jay Ingram himself would make the ideal pet: he’s a joy to spend time with (as you’ll see when you read this wise and witty book) and he’s always reliable (The Science of Pets is just the latest home run in a long line of excellent books by him). Curling up with a book as good as this one is the next best thing to having your favourite pooch at your side or cat in your lap. From the origin of dogs to the robotic pets of the future, Ingram covers every aspect of our relationships with the animals that become beloved members of our families, seamlessly combining rich insights across the sciences, from evolution to the psychology of both humans and our furry (or feathered or scaly!) companions. A wonderful read!” — ROBERT J. SAWYER, Hugo Award-winning author of The Downloaded“Jay Ingram takes his keen eye for the science behind everyday things to illuminate everything pet, from the history of how humans and pets came to align, through the science behind why we have pets and how our relationship with pets has influenced our own and their evolution. Fascinating, engaging, and approachable, The Science of Pets deepens our appreciation for how and why we relate to the animals we cherish.” — MARK L. WINSTON, FRSC, Professor Emeritus and Senior Fellow, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University

Jay Ingram has hosted two national science programs in Canada, Quirks & Quarks on CBC radio and Daily Planet on Discovery Channel Canada. He is the author of twenty books, which have been translated into fifteen languages, including the bestselling five-volume The Science of Why series. In 2015, he won the Walter C. Alvarez Award from the American Medical Writers’ Association for excellence in communicating health care developments and concepts to the public, and from 2005 to 2015 he chaired the Science Communications Program at the Banff Centre. Jay has seven honorary degrees, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is a Member of the Order of Canada. He is a cofounder of the arts and engineering street festival called Beakerhead in Calgary. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.