The Human Animal Bond

Anthrozoology or the Human Animal Bond is a real and evidenced area of research. What I mean by this is that there is actual scientific evidence that having pets can be good for you. Maybe not all pets and maybe not for everyone, but there are definitely advantages, hear me out. People love animals, yes, and many people think animals love them back, too. Every species has been on an epic journey of how they first associated with humans, how they were seen to be helpful such as wolves beginning to protect human camps in return for food which over thousands of years lead to the domestication of wolves and over time the changing into subspecies of dogs. The same has been seen in the domestication of horses whose ancestor was the size of a modern-day fox. Over 65 million years, to be precise, horses have been domesticated and bred originally for food, then utilities such as agriculture, riding for war, leisure and sport. But is there such a bond and advantage to keeping domestic animals, even today? Well, I think there is.

Maybe I could use incredible examples of rescue dogs who search on mountains or woodland for the slightest hint of a scent for little reward or dogs like Hachiko and their incredible loyalty. Suppose I mention assistance dogs such as guide or seizure alert dogs who people can rely on for everyday tasks or put their life in their paws while guiding them through danger or calming and warning them prior to an epileptic seizure. Perhaps I could find impressive examples of animals who have saved owners from grizzly bear attacks or who can sniff out bombs, guns or even cancer, possibly saving hundreds of lives. Or even just the connection between a shepherd and their working sheep dog who can understand and round up dozens or sheep without much more than a few whistles or ‘how ay’ now and then. Or maybe even studies that have shown that a sheep can recognise their farmer’s face for up to seven years without seeing them.

But no, I’m talking about everyday people and their everyday pets. I’m not saying if you get a guinea pig you will become invincible but having a pet has been linked with being a happier, mentally and physically healthier and more active as well as improving the animal’s wellbeing. Pet owners have been found to go to the doctors less frequently, have less risk of heart problems, fewer allergies and asthma in children, be more likely to survive a heart attack and elderly people are supposedly less lonely and more active. Another benefit for children was that children who had pets were a lot less likely to miss time off school with illness.

There are three theories surrounding this. Firstly, that it’s a coincidence in the sense that they happen to own a pet and be an active person but that there’s another reason like they play football but not just that they have a pet. Secondly that if you have a pet it causes you to interact with others which in turn improves your wellbeing indirectly. So, if you’re lonely and your dog does a runner at the dog park to play with a cute looking poodle, you get chatting to the owner while they’re sniffing each other, which then improves your psychological wellbeing. The third theory is a bit more direct as in that the fact that you have a pet and your bond act as your social support so that makes you feel less lonely and reduces anxiety related problems. So basically, dog equals happiness.

These benefits do vary depending on the type of animal you have as a pet. If you have a dog you were more likely to survive a heart attack than if you had a cat for example, it is unsure if this is because you’re healthier because you tend to walk dogs more than cats! And if you have allergies, it’s probably not a good idea to get a newfoundland. Also, piranhas may not be good company and possibly more of a health risk than a benefit. But pets can be great for children as it teaches them about caring for something else, learning about their needs, respecting them and generally having a furry friend to turn to if they need to.

There are some arguments against this idea. Some elderly people didn’t want to go to hospital if they had to leave their pet behind with no one to care for them. But some hospital have started using animals to visit patients and cheer them up as they help lift spirits and can aid in recovery from illness. In addition, lots of people see animals as family members so it can be hard and devastating to some if animals become ill or pass away. But there’s plenty of help out there, you’ll still have irreplaceable memories of you first (or third) pet and when the time comes maybe you’ll be ready to bring home another pet waiting for a home.

On the whole having pets is great! Thousands of animals need homes, food and friendship and the human animal bond provides insight and many more benefits to rehoming a furry family member. They can improve humans physically, mentally and our health, happiness and emotions and we reciprocate by giving them someone to rely on, look after them and share their lives with. So, if you need a ‘scientific’ excuse to add to the list of pros to get a new addition to your household, look no further.