Veterinarian in Society

KEYS TO HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

• The relationship may be perceived stronger and more important when
  • Owners believe that dog rescues their companion animals from death or near-death.
  • Owners believe that their companion animals “got them through” a difficult period in life
  • Owners spent their childhood with their companion animals
  • Owners have relied on their companion animals as their most significant source of support
  • Owners anthropomorphize their companion animals
  • Owners have invested extensive time, effort, or financial resources into their companion animals’ long-term medical care
  • Owners view their companion animals as symbolic links to significant people who are no longer part of their lives (for example, children who have died or moved away, significant relationships or marriages that have ended) or to significant times in their lives ( for example, future that would be lived in the mountains, past times spent hiking, fishing, camping, etc)

Conclusions

• The bond between people and animals is the primary basis for the existence of veterinary profession.
• Understanding the various aspects of human-animal bond and how you integrate these aspects into your life everyday is important. If cattle owners / cowboys thought cattle and horses as means of transportation or if home owners thought of dogs solely as protectors of property, communication with veterinary clients regarding the human-animal bond and the effects of pet loss would not be so important.
• The truth is that many owners are highly attached to the animals with whom they live. Consequently, they seek out the best overall care possible for their animals and for themselves, when the bonds they share with their companion animals are threatened.