Pets in the cab
Pets in the Cab (2023-2024) is an interdisciplinary research project investigating the experiences of UK lorry drivers who take animal companions (pets) on the road with them. It is funded by the University of Oxford's John Fell Fund.
It is a sister project of Trucking Lives, aiming to learn more about the lives of truck drivers. More specifically, it seeks to:
- Understand the prevalence and dynamics of truckers traveling with animal companions in the UK. (How common is this practice and what are the various arrangements and experiences entailed?)
- Explore the potential benefits and challenges of having animal companions on the road, especially in alleviating mental and physical health issues common among UK HGV drivers.
The nexus between human-animal companionship and wellbeing has been explored in various fields, however the unique dynamics within the cab of a lorry driver remains unchartered territory, especially within the UK.
The project will conduct ethnographic research with truckers and their animal companions, and also map and interview institutions and networks that potentially impact the prevalence of animal companions of HGV drivers, such as road safety agency, logistics companies, mental health advocacy groups, and border and disease control.
Research Team: Debbie Hopkins & Neha Arora
For further information, please contract: neha.arora@conted.ox.ac.uk