Our mission is 'to support and encourage scholarly evaluation and understanding of the complex societal issues and public policy dimensions of the changing role of animals in society. Work conducted by the Center is based on the tenet that animals matter in and of themselves, that human and animal well-being are linked, and that both are improved through enhanced understanding of their interactions'.

With this mission in mind, the Center offers a rigorous academic program for students interested in human-animal relations and public policy. We also engage in scholarly and policy-informing research, teaching and public service.