Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
The human-companion animal bond: how humans benefit
1University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. efrie002@son.umaryland.edu
Abstract:
The human-animal bond is extremely important to most clients of small animal veterinary practices. Pet ownership, or just being in the presence of a companion animal, is associated with health benefits, including improvements in mental, social, and physiologic health status. This article provides the research data regarding the human health benefits of companion animals, animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted activities, and assistance animals; reviews measures that can be taken to enable safe pet ownership for the immunocompromised, and discusses the veterinarian's role in supporting immune-compromised clients and clients who have assistance animals. Client education and enhanced veterinary care can reduce the risk from zoonotic diseases, even for the immunocompromised.
Related Concept Videos
Symbiosis
Companionate Love
Biodiversity and Human Values
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Altruism
Nonconscious Mimicry