The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial interaction between people and animals. We focus on dogs and cats when discussing the human-animal bond but bonding can happen with any animal species. Recognizing the influence pets have on our lives is especially important this time of year when we focus on family and friends during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a time for sharing with families and enjoying companionship with friends. These interactions can be essential for quality of life and they add enjoyment to the holidays. A recent survey reported that 97% of dog and/or cat owners in the US consider their pets to be a part of the family. Over half of pet owners (51%) consider their pet(s) to be as much a part of the family as the human members. These numbers are significant because an estimated 62% of Americans have a pet with 35% having more than one pet.

It is common now for dogs and cats to live with us in our homes and share our daily lives. They greet us when we come home. They express sadness when we leave the house without them. They encourage us to play and be active. They stimulate conversations with friends and strangers. They snuggle with us on the couch and sleep with us at night. An estimated 52% of pet owners buy Christmas gifts for their pet(s) and 46% buy birthday gifts. The average pet owner buys over four gifts each year for their pet with younger pet owners buying the most gifts. Many pet owners also have holiday and birthday parties for their pets that include gifts, special pet appropriate foods, and a gathering with friends and family. This is a growing trend with significant increases during the last decade.

There are many factors that play a role in these trends but one important aspect is the effect of the human-animal bond. Interaction between people and animals can be beneficial for many aspects of health and general well-being. Interaction with animals increases quality of life for people. There are also benefits for animals with reductions in fear and anxiety.

The benefits of pet companionship are so significant that there is an estimated $22.7 billion in savings on health care expenditures for those with pets. Pet owners tend to have fewer physician visits compared to non-pet owners and have lower rates of hospitalization for certain diseases. People that own dogs and walk them regularly have lower levels of obesity. Children with pet contact have lower rates of anxiety and older adults are less likely to have health issues associated with loneliness and social isolation. 

These beneficial effects become even more important when considering the national trend of an increasing sense of loneliness and social isolation. Ironically, Americans are generally spending more time with social media and yet feeling more lonely. It is important to note that this trend of feeling more loneliness started prior to the digital age. However, it appears that the more people use social media to keep connected, the lonelier they feel. There is also a trend toward people having fewer close friends and confidants. Over half of people report feeling significantly lonely.

Pets fill a human need for companionship. They improve our mental health by helping us cope with the stress of our daily lives and to feel less lonely and isolated. Pet owners are more likely to get to know their neighbors better, to be more engaged in their communities, and to have a support network of people they meet through their pet. In addition, pets help improve our physical health by reducing our stress and anxiety and motivating us to be more physically active. Keep in mind that the benefits of pet ownership are not only for humans, pets benefit also.

With all the great contributions that animals make to our lives, it is important to recognize that pet ownership is a big responsibility. They require daily care with a safe environment, physical activity, quality food, and fresh water. Regular medical care is important. If you cannot have a pet or afford one, consider spending time with a friend that has a pet, volunteering at a local shelter, or engaging in other activities that allow quality time with animals.

Ron Carsten, DVM, PhD, CVA, CCRT was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use the integrative approach, has lectured widely to veterinarians, and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He is also the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). In addition to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs. Dr. Carsten is the 2022 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient.