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The Importance of the
Human-Animal Bond (HAB)

The Human-Animal Bond (HAB) is a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This relationship includes attitudes and emotions and the profound physical and emotional interactions among people, animals and the environment (https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/The-Human-Animal-Bond.aspx).

A good HAB has impact on people (pet owners), animals (pets) and the veterinary profession as a whole.

  • For people, studies have shown that a positive HAB can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and stress and can increase the feeling of wellbeing, social interactions and survival rates from serious illness and memory.
  • For animals, a positive HAB is important because it reduces relinquishment and increases overall welfare for the animal.
  • And for the veterinary profession, the HAB helps us engage in the profession we love; companion animal veterinary medicine. Pets are considered part of the family and pet owners are more likely to opt for medical and behavioral prevention and treatment, and more visits and treatment means more opportunity for the entire veterinary staff to be stewards of the HAB.