Kendra Coulter, Associate Professor in Labour Studies, wrote a piece recently published in the National Post about rewarding animals for the work they do.

Coulter writes:

Animals do a lot for us. So what should we do for them?

Dexter, an emotional support peacock, made global headlines recently when United Airlines refused to allow him on a flight.

His story is the latest to reanimate the public discussion about the certification and regulation of service animals, and the rights of people with disabilities. But this unusual situation is also an opportunity to reflect on the work we give animals, which species we employ and what our responsibilities are to them.

We have long used the labour of animals — few communities in Canada would have been built without horses’ strength, power and co-operation.

Much like people, today’s animals are less likely to be used for manual labour, and are more often employed in service work. They assist with law enforcement, and even sniff out endangered species, smuggled goods and insect infestations.

Service animals are typically paired with humans and engaged in full-time, round-the-clock labour. They may physically guide someone, assist with daily tasks or monitor the person’s physical and emotional state, then respond with a warning, an intervention or calming touch.

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