Jessica Pierce

As a bioethicist, my research and writing focus broadly on ethical issues that arise in the biological and biomedical sciences. Much of my early work was centered on interconnections between health, health care, and ecosystems. More recently, I’ve concentrated my attention on human-animal relationships, particularly the obligations that arise in caring for and living well with companion animals. My books and articles explore, among other things, hospice and palliative medicine for aging and ill animals, the promise and peril of animal welfare science, and how to give our companion animals the best possible care.

Follow my blog, All Dogs Go to Heaven, on Psychology Today.

Current affiliation

Faculty Affiliate with the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Educational background 

  • Ph.D. University of Virginia, Department of Religious Studies

  • M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School

  • B.A., Scripps College

Working together

Audience Reach

  • Jessica’s work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Scientific American, and New Scientist.

  • Her Psychology Today blog has reached 4 million readers.

  • She has appeared on numerous radio shows, including NPR (The Diane Rehm Show; The Animal House), the BBC, and Australian Broadcasting Network.

Possible Interview Topics

What does it mean to live ethically with a dog? (And why the answer is far more complicated than you think)

How can dog guardians become more mindful in relationship to their dog? (By following the Three C’s: Collaboration, Care, and Curiosity)

The mental health crisis among pet dogs—why homed dogs are struggling and what we can do about it. Unleashing our dogs’ Inner Dog.

How modern dog keeping practices are surprisingly “anti-dog.” We “de-dog” our dogs, instead of letting them be who they are and who they need to be.

The ethics of keeping animals as pets: Which animals are on the no-go list? Why? What do companion animals need to be healthy and happy?

The ethics of cloning dogs and cats and other pet animals.

Deconstructing the Pet Store Shelves: Collars, leashes, and crates, oh my! Tools and technologies used to control dogs (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

Interested in collaborating with Jessica on your next podcast, documentary or speaking engagement?