New Page 1

A global survey of the human-animal bond
Numerous factors influence attitudes toward animals

A growing body of research into the human-animal bond is revealing how various cultures relate to animals and the reasons why, stated 2003-2004 AVMA president-elect Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, who discussed globalization of the human-animal bond as part of the Leo Bustad Memorial Lecture, July 22.

People throughout the world relate to animals on the basis of such factors as their society, culture, and personal values, said Dr. Beaver, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Economics is a strong influence on a society's value of animals, she said. For instance, the human-animal bond is stronger in prosperous nations such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and England. Because their basic needs are satisfied, citizens in those countries have disposable income to provide for veterinary care and can contemplate the moral value of animals.

In less-developed countries where food, education, and heath care are scarce, animals will be valued more for their utility.

"Only in the countries that 'have' do we see a strong interest in animal welfare and rights," Dr. Beaver said.

People demonstrate nine basic attitudes toward animals. Dr. Beaver described these as attachments as interest in the beauty of animals; a desire to master them; strong affection for animals; sense of kinship with animals; feelings of dislike for animals; and treatment of animals as a means to an end.

International trade in wildlife is a booming business. According to Dr. Beaver, 25,000 to 30,000 primates, 2 to 3 million birds, 2 to 3 million reptiles, and 5 to 6 million ornamental fish are bought and sold annually.

Illegal animal importation can have major implications for veterinary medicine, she added, since the animals might be harboring infectious disease.

Looking at the human-animal bond on a regional basis, North America tends to be "schizophrenic," Dr. Beaver said. Pets are family members for many people. For others, they are disposable and have no value whatsoever.

Western Europeans have a more consistent view of animals. Livestock are afforded greater legal protections; pets often accompany owners to stores and restaurants; stray pets are uncommon; strict pet ownership laws exist; and the animal rights movement is very active.

Given the country's limited space, not many Japanese own pets, so pets are an expensive privilege, according to Dr. Beaver. As a result, the Japanese try to satisfy their desire for animal companionship by taking advantage of dog-renting services or opt for one of the popular robotic pets.

The human-animal bond is weaker in parts of Southeast Asia. In addition to treating dogs as companions, some Asian cultures use them as food.

Elsewhere in the world, particularly in areas where food is scarce and economies depressed, animals are not luxuries but a source of survival. Africans value animals according to their usefulness. Cattle are signs of wealth, and animal parts, such as gorilla hands, are commodities. Africans commonly use animals for transportation, too.

The positive aspects of the human-animal bond are beginning to be recognized around the world. At the past two International Conferences on Human-Animal Interactions—held in Prague, Czech Republic, in 1998 and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2001—research into a broad range of topics was presented.

Most of the research focused on positive aspects of the bond. These included the role of service animals and the human health benefits of animal ownership. But some studies examined negative interactions, including the challenges of pet ownership, bestiality and zoophilia, and dog phobia.

"We need to understand the negatives as well as the positives," Dr. Beaver observed.

When the human-animal bond was first coming into fashion, much of the discussion was based on anecdotal evidence. But that's changing. Dr. Beaver is gladdened that human-animal interactions are now being scientifically investigated to determine what is good for people and good for animals, too.

PETS ARE GOOD FOR KIDS

For years, parents have known that pets and children are a good combination. Now, research is demonstrating that children can benefit from animal companionship.

Children with companion animals are more likely to have higher self-esteem. A US study of 394 university students revealed that those who had owned dogs or cats as childhood pets were more self-confident than those who did not.

Pets are a wonderful stress buster for kids. One study revealed that children who had a dog present during their physical examinations had lower heart rates, reduced blood pressure and less behavioral distress than when the dog was not present.

Pets are wonderful playmates and sympathetic listeners. They also stimulate communication skills in children. A study of 455 school children between the ages of 11 and 16 revealed that children with pets had a better ability to understand non-verbal communications.

Pet ownership is an excellent way to teach children about responsibility. Pets require a great deal of attention, guidance and care. In return for feeding, grooming and exercising their pets, children obtain companionship and unconditional love.

Pets make wonderful, loving companions that offer unconditional love. Consider adding a pet to your household. Your veterinarian can help you research the best pet for your family.

LIVE LONGER-OWN A PET

Pets provide their owners with unconditional love and companionship. Now there's evidence that owning a pet is also good for your health.

A study by the US Department of Health concluded that pets increased the survival rate of heart attack victims. The study revealed that 28% of heart patients with pets survived serious heart attacks, compared to only 6% of heart patients without pets.

Another study revealed that the cholesterol levels of pet owners were 2% lower than the cholesterol levels of people without pets. The risk of those pet owners having a heart attack was reduced by 4%.

Owning a pet can reduce blood pressure as effectively as eating a low-salt diet or reducing alcohol intake.

A US survey of 1,000 Medicare patients showed that 40% of the elderly sought the services of a doctor much less frequently than those without animal companions.

Nursing homes that use companion animal therapy have experienced a significant reduction in the use of prescription drugs. The overall cost of caring for seniors also dropped.

Health benefits are simply one more reason for adopting a pet. Pets make wonderful, loving companions. Consider adding a pet to your household. Your veterinarian can help you research the best pet for your family.

PETS: AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FAMILY

More than 50% of Canadian households own pets of some kind. Dogs, cats, birds and other companion animals are living in more than five million homes. For their owners, these animals are more than pets-they are part of the family.

Each year, Canadian families spend about three billion dollars on their pets. This exceeds consumer spending on children's toys, footwear, eye care, and dental plans.

A recent survey of pet owners revealed that nearly 80% of respondents gave their pets holiday or birthday presents. More than 60% signed their pets' names on cards or letters. A slight majority (51%) gave their pets human names.

While virtually all pet owners talk to their pets, an astounding 94% spoke to their pets as though they were human. One-third of respondents spoke to their pets on the telephone or via the answering machine. More than 90% of pet owners believed their pets were aware of their moods and emotions.

As millions of Canadians already know, pets make wonderful, loving companions. In return for proper care and attention, pets offer unconditional love. Consider adding a pet to your household. Your veterinarian can help you research the best pet for your family.

PET OWNERSHIP: IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Chances are, you'll live longer and feel better if you own a pet.

Medical studies on the human-animal bond reveal that pet owners are more likely to have reduced stress levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. They also experience fewer heart attacks than people without pets.

Researchers have found that the mere presence of an animal has a beneficial effect on heart function, and stroking and talking to a pet reduces blood pressure and stress.

Many hospitals and retirement homes engage in animal therapy. This may involve visits from volunteer animals or a pet that is kept at the facility. Seniors with pets are much less lonely than non-pet owners. Consequently, they do not make unnecessary visits their doctor out of loneliness.

A study of women undergoing stress tests demonstrated that the presence of a dog had a greater effect on lowering blood pressure than the presence of friends.

Companion animals also provide psychological benefits. Pets are sympathetic, supportive and non-judgemental listeners. Pets provide us with a distraction from our worries; they encourage social interaction and provide a soothing presence.

WOMEN THINK PETS ARE THE CATS MEOW

Many women believe their pets are more sensitive than their spouse or children.

Recent surveys of pet owners revealed some interesting facts about how people relate to their pets:

Nearly 50 percent of women relied more on their pets for affection than their spouse or children.
More than 40 percent of women said their pets understand their emotions and moods better than other family members.
When asked if they were more likely to lose their temper with a family member or a pet, 67 percent of women said a family member.
Nearly 90 percent of senior citizens claimed that the presence of pets in their household had a positive impact on their health.
Pets reduced stress for 70 percent of the survey respondents

The results are in-pets are wonderful, loving companions. Pets are good listeners and they never talk back. In fact, when it comes to affection and friendship, pets often outshine people.

In return for proper care and attention, pets offer unconditional love. Consider adding a pet to your household. Your veterinarian can help you research the best pet for your family.