Cooperative Living February 2021 - 23

PawPrints | Story and photos courtesy of Brandpoint Media
The Pet Effect
Facts about the incredible
human-animal bond
D
o you ever notice how fulfilled
you feel when you spend time
with your pet? Or maybe you
are thinking of getting a pet hoping
for companionship, affection and love?
These and many more positives are the
result of the pet effect, also known as
the human-animal bond.
" Science supports that the pet effect
is real for people of all ages, " says
PetSmart Charities President Aimee
Gilbreath. " However, you don't need
research to see for yourself the benefits
a pet can bring a family. Adopting a
pet is a life-changing experience. The
human-animal bond is a profound
thing and many people consider their
pets members of the family and
welcomingly embrace the many
positives they provide. "
ownership and 54% of pet owners
reported physical health improvements
from pet ownership.
PET OWNERSHIP REDUCES
U.S. HEALTH CARE COSTS
About 80 million U.S. households
have pets, according to the HABRI
Foundation, and pet ownership has
saved the U.S. health care system an
estimated $11.7 billion. The largest
savings was determined based on a
lower incidence of physician office
visits by pet owners as compared to
non-owners. Additional savings were
calculated for increased physical
activity for pet owners, such as dog
owners who walk their dog five or
more times a week.
Gilbreath shares some of the top
benefits and interesting facts about the
pet effect:
OWNING A PET HAS MENTAL
AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Scientific evidence supporting the
emotional health advantages of pet
relationships is growing. Pets and
therapy animals have been shown
to help alleviate stress, anxiety,
depression, loneliness and social
isolation. For example, a study by the
Human Animal Bond Research Institute
and Cohen Research Group found
74% of pet owners reported mental
health improvements from pet
co-opliving.com
PETS PROVIDE COMPANIONSHIP
DURING TIMES OF ISOLATION
Companionship is a top reason
people own pets. During times of
increased isolation such as quarantine
and social distancing, this is
particularly important.
An additional study by HABRI
found that pets are part of the solution
to social isolation and loneliness,
a growing public health epidemic,
even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 85% of respondents agree
that interaction with pets helps reduce
loneliness and 76% agree that humanpet
interactions can help address
social isolation.
PETS PROVIDE SECURITY
DURING TIMES OF STRESS
A Purdue University study found
animal-assisted therapies can help
provide diversion from anxietyinducing
medical experiences,
providing a sense of security, while
also encouraging interaction and
activity often critical for healing.
Something as simple as an affectionate
nuzzle or a wag of a tail from a therapy
animal can decrease stress and anxiety
for patients and the hospital staff.
ORGANIZATIONS ARE
STEPPING UP
Realizing the many benefits of
pet ownership, some organizations
are doing their part to support the
pet effect.
For example, PetSmart Charities
is providing grants supporting nearly
4,000 animal welfare organizations
across the U.S., Canada and Puerto
Rico to provide shelter, socialization
and veterinary care to homeless
pets to prepare them for adoption,
as well as providing resources to help
keep pets and the people who love
them together. 
Since 2012, PetSmart Charities has
committed nearly $4 million in grants
to support change-making local animal
welfare organizations across North America.
For more, visit petsmartcharities.org.
February 2021 | Cooperative Living | 21
Pet ownership
has saved the
U.S. health care
system an estimated
$11.7 billion.
http://www.petsmartcharities.org http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living February 2021

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