I'm Laura Gillet, a psychologist and PhD student in ethology at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. My research explores the evolving relationship between humans and dogs in modern society, particularly how dog ownership is redefining concepts of family and parenting in Western cultures.

As part of the MTA-ELTE Lendület Momentum Companion Animal Research Group, I investigate the costs and benefits of dog keeping, examining how our canine companions influence human social networks in an era marked by increasing loneliness and changing family structures.

My work includes cross-cultural comparisons of dog ownership patterns and the study of dogs' child-like roles in contemporary households. Through this research, I aim to better understand the profound ways in which dogs have become integral members of our families and societies.