The true value of pets and companion animals

Dr Jan du Preez, a veterinary specialist in public health, looks at the emotional, social and physical contributions that pets and companion animals make to the lives of their human owners.

- Dr Jan du Preez

FAST FACTS

The relationships between animals and humans provide a host of psychological benefits for both parties. 

Families surveyed before and after acquiring pets have said they felt happier after becoming pet owners.

People who own dogs tend to feel less afraid of being victims of crime at home or when walking with their pets.

The human-animal bond has received increasing attention because of the demonstrated mutual benefits that this dynamic relationship affords both parties.

Today, over 4,3 billion people, or 55% of the world’s population, live in cities. In more developed nations, about 74% of people live in urban areas, while in less developed countries, this figure is around 44%. By 2050, a projected average of 66% of the global population will live in cities.

Whereas contact between people and animals is readily maintained in rural areas, the same cannot be said for cities in general. For this reason, animals are increasingly used to provide social-interaction services in institutions such as childcare centres and hospitals.

Pets and companion animals serve as both a link to nature and a means of decreasing stress, especially in cities and towns. In fact, they have a significant effect on how we feel about ourselves and life in general. They are teachers and healers of extraordinary talent.

The emotional, social and physical benefits of owning a pet (especially a dog) or companion animal are unsurpassed, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these relationships are sustainable.

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS