From Street Dweller to Family Member: The Dynamic Relationship between People, and Cats and Dogs in Thailand

This thesis is an ethnographic study exploring the complex relationships people have with cats and dogs in Bangkok, Thailand. I examine the cultural and social factors influencing human interactions with these animals. Drawing on data collected from participant observation and in-depth interviews with veterinarians and animal advocacy workers, I capture the context of a city with rising numbers of cats and dogs being considered pets, a significant free-roaming cat and dog population, and a growing awareness of international discourses on animal rights and welfare. I demonstrate that attitudes towards, and our interactions with, animals are context bound and culturally informed.