Human Animal Interaction
Being Well Together: Rethinking the human-animal bond
For decades, research has sought proof that the human-animal bond improves our wellbeing. But findings have been mixed. Some studies highlight reduced loneliness for pet owners, along with stress relief and social support. Meanwhile, others point to little benefit. Some even suggest added challenges such as financial strain or behavioural stress.
Now, a new perspective argues we should move beyond this one-way, cause and effect view of the pet and owner relationship. Instead, we should adopt a relational lens, asking: how do humans and animals create wellbeing together?
Beyond reductionism
Traditional research continues to provide highly valuable insights on the human-animal bond, but it treats pets, people and wellbeing as separate, measurable entities.
However, lived experience and context is increasingly being used to build a more relational lens. One which explores the impact that pets and people can have on each other’s wellbeing.
Pets as family
A recently published paper, from our experts at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, proposes that human and animal wellbeing are fluid and interconnected, rather than fixed, discrete entities.
The paper highlights how many people consider pets family, but not in identical ways. Pets may be integrated as full members, companions, or even substitutes for human connections. These distinctions influence expectations, meanings, and outcomes, and help explain why the benefits of the human-animal bond aren’t the same for everyone.
Implications for practice and research
For veterinary professionals and researchers, this shift offers valuable guidance on:
Research design. By engaging relational theories - and using both qualitative and quantitative methods – researchers can explore varied demographics and contexts where different relational dynamics may be most visible.
Interpretation. The paper suggests we should avoid broad generalisations. Wellbeing impacts are not fixed but fluid, context-dependent, and often non-linear.
Practice and policy. The idea of relational wellbeing could help policymakers and veterinary professionals advocate for pet-inclusive housing, urban planning, and animal welfare policies that recognise the importance of the human-animal bond.
A richer picture of wellbeing
Consider two similar households adopting a dog. One experiences companionship and motivation, the other stress and strain. Averaging these outcomes risks obscuring the deeper story – how environment, resources, expectations, and the animal’s temperament all shape wellbeing.
By focusing on relationships, rather than seeking a one-way benefit, we gain a truer understanding of how humans and animals support, and sometimes challenge, each other.
Conclusion
The relational approach recognises pets as active participants in shared wellbeing. For those in veterinary and research fields, this perspective enriches our understanding, helps guide more effective interventions, and ensures we do justice to the complex, meaningful ways that humans and animals are well together.
