[1] In 2014, she began exploring the topic of evolutionary psychology with a stand-up show Sara Pascoe vs History.

[5][2] Pascoe said that research for Animal had led her to be interested in topics such as sex work and domestic violence from perspectives other than feminist theory, as she found that many such issues had financial status as a larger cause of vulnerability than gender.

She discusses transactional sex and rape culture, her own attitudes towards men and possible contributing factors for the behaviour of male rapists and abusers.

[6] Shirley Whiteside of The National lauded the book as "educational and highly entertaining", finding that it had an "engaging, conversational style of writing and an intriguing supply of curious facts".

[7] Niamh Donnelly of The Irish Times praised the book as "very funny" and well-researched, but found it stronger "when it's not analysing, not interrogating".

[8] i's Marisa Bate found that the book contained "an impressive amount of research" and summarised that in relation to the three title topics: "Pascoe might not have figured it out entirely, but she has given it a very good shot".