Chapter 7 - The Animal–Human Bond: Health and Wellness

Abstract

Health is characterized by the integration of the psychological, physical, social, environmental, and spiritual aspects of an individual into a functional whole. Pets can positively affect people’s health by decreasing loneliness and depression, decreasing anxiety and sympathetic nervous system arousal, and improving physical fitness by providing an impetus to exercise. These mechanisms rely on interconnections among the physical, social, and psychological components of health as characterized in the biopsychosocial model. This chapter focuses on physical indicators of health and individuals’ self-assessment of their health or quality of life (QOL), which are interrelated with the psychological and social components of health. Activities with animals can influence the impact of stress and other challenges on health and QOL. The benefits demonstrated from interacting with pets and other companion animals are important components of benefits that can be derived from animal-assisted therapy. Many of the health benefits from animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapies last during the period in which interactions take place but do not necessarily continue after they stop. Moreover, some specific types of interaction with animals may benefit some individuals, or individuals with specific type of challenges, more than others. Research is required to provide an evidence base for targeting animal-assisted therapies for individuals with specific characteristics, needs, and attitudes toward animals.