Anthrozoology and Early Childhood Education offers the first research-based text on this topic. Taking a pragmatic perspective, Gallard outlines the core themes for teaching and learning about animals and animal-related themes. The book also includes discussion of the ethics of the use of animals in early education settings and an examination of how values for animal-related learning shape the experience children receive in early childhood. Providing a systematic review of relevant philosophies, theory and literature, the book details the author's own research, alongside an analysis of the contemporary issues and current practices in the UK and around the world. Including perspectives from early educators about the barriers faced in providing educational experiences about and with animals, this book considers sensitive issues such as child protection and animal rights. After discussion of the ways animals benefit children; how children can benefit animals; how animals impact on the domains of child development and the accompanying ethical considerations, Gallard offers suggestions about how to reconcile the child-facing and animal-facing tensions in order to facilitate the provision of early opportunities and particular life chances for children. The book also includes contemporary thinking about assistance animals in early education settings. An important future-facing text with international relevance, this book intends to stimulate discourse about the nature of progressive early education, by connecting anthrozoology in early childhood education to the global sustainability agenda. As a result, it will be essential reading for researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of early childhood education, anthrozoology, child development and animal studies.