[The transactional stress model for the animal keeper]

A health problem of an animal or a group of animals represents a potential stress situation for the animal keeper. In this article, the transactional stress model, which was developed in social psychology was applied on the animal keeper and shows, how he perceives the influence of animal care. If veterinary help is considered relevant, it may lead to an improved coping, which affects the health of the animal keeper and the animal as well. This viewpoint leads to a cycle, in which cause, success, coping and utility are closely linked together.