The mantra of “a dog is a man’s best friend” seems to be proven true for all types of animals time and time again either through personal experiences or studies done by various universities or veterinarians nationwide. Amongst providing companionship and a feeling of need, owning a pet can aid in the social, behavioral, emotional and physical aspects of lives of individuals or of families, according to a study conducted by Miami University and St. Louis University in 2011.

“It’s about companionship, bonding, keeping the family together,” Katie Willis, a veterinarian technician and foster coordinator at the St. Charles Pet Adoption Center, said.

In a study of the human-animal bond done by PAWSitive Interaction, it was found that 48 percent of families consider their pet as another member of the family. Along with that factor, pets in families that include children can help the children develop by giving them something to be responsible for and to care for.

“Animals can be a net good for people,” FHN Psychology teacher Sean Fowler said. “Let’s be honest, the benefits of a pet can teach a kid responsibility. But pets can also lead to family conflict with feeding, walking, playing, clean up.”

In the study conducted by Miami University and St. Louis University, it was discovered that if someone owned a pet, they were more likely to exercise and were less susceptible to depression, loneliness or low self-esteem. The overall conclusion was that a majority of pet owners consider their pet as psychologically fulfilling as any human relationship.

“What they provide is unconditional regard,” Fowler said.

“They love you no matter what.”

As well as fulfilling desires of a family or individual, animals also can aid people participating in animal therapy programs. This type of therapy ranges anywhere from calming the elderly with Alzheimer’s to physical therapy to helping children with Autism learn to focus.

Many different species of animals are also used in the therapy programs around the world today. Dolphin Assisted Therapy, mainly growing in popularity in Europe, focuses on stress relief for those with disorders such as depression or phobias, while programs like Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities, serving the St. Louis area, use dogs to help adults or children with physical disabilities.

“People are healthier [with pets], especially in older generations,” Willis said.
“Physical well-being is better when you have one.”