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Children and the Human-Animal Bond: Minimizing Pet Loss During Disasters

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Teaching Compassion: Humane Education in Early Childhood

Part of the book series: Educating the Young Child ((EDYC,volume 8))

Abstract

The importance of companion animals to humans, particularly children, has long been accepted. Pets help reduce stress and promote better health, both physically and mentally. In traumatic times, this becomes even more important, providing a link to stability when other aspects of daily life may seem to be beyond individual control. Research and personal stories have demonstrated the value of this relationship repeatedly, leading to the formation of organizations designed to protect companion animals in times of difficulty. This chapter will summarize research into the human-animal bond, especially in children, as a limitation and as an advantage in disaster situations and will provide a brief list of preparedness measures for individuals and communities to help protect both humans and animals.

An erratum to this chapter can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6922-9_16

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA

    Holly J. Travis D.Ed.

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  1. Holly J. Travis D.Ed.
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Correspondence to Holly J. Travis D.Ed. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania Studies in Education, INDIANA, Pennsylvania, USA

    Mary Renck Jalongo

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Travis, H.J. (2014). Children and the Human-Animal Bond: Minimizing Pet Loss During Disasters. In: Renck Jalongo, M. (eds) Teaching Compassion: Humane Education in Early Childhood. Educating the Young Child, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6922-9_9

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