Researching animal geographies through the use of walking methods

Abstract

Animal geographers have become increasingly interested in different methodological approaches to understanding animals’ experiences and geographies. These interests arise from a need to mitigate and challenge anthropocentrism within animal geographies and help geographers develop methods to understand animals as individual beings (Urbanik, 2012). This chapter develops walking methods as one such approach to centre animals’ experiences within geographical research. Walking methods contribute to new forms of knowledge production in animal geographies by: offering a means of exploring practices and experiences within space and place; centring the affective and sensuous nature of human-animal lifeworlds; and providing a flexibility and resourcefulness that can complement a wide range of other methods. This chapter concludes by addressing limitations, ethical considerations, and future directions in advancing walking methods in animal geographies.