Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Understanding the Human-Animal Bond: Implications for Practice with Community-Living Older Adults

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Collective Spirit of Aging Across Cultures

Part of the book series: International Perspectives on Aging ((Int. Perspect. Aging,volume 9))

Abstract

Understanding the Human-Animal Bond: Implications for Practice with Community-Living Older Adults begins with an examination of research on why older adults own pets. Research in this area provides insight into what older adults expect to gain from pet ownership. Then the most recent research designed to explore the effects of pet ownership will be systematically reviewed for more robust conclusions. This review is followed by research that clarifies why pets are retained and the conditions under which pets are surrendered for a broader understanding of the potential implications of pet ownership for older adults. The chapter ends with an overview of basic information about pet care which provides gerontologists and other professionals with the knowledge necessary to support the benefits of pet ownership in their work with older adults.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    A majority of these resources were accessed through HABRI central (http://habricentral.org/resources/journalarticles), Pet Partners (http://www.petpartners.org/humananimalbondresourcecenter), and Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society (http://research.vet.upenn.edu/publications/tabid/1918/default.aspx).

References

  • Allen, K. (2003). Are pets a healthy pleasure? The influence of pets on blood pressure. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12(6), 236–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Animal Hospital Association (2004). American animal hospital association 2004 pet owner survey. Retrieved from https://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/petownersurvey2004.pdf

  • American Pet Products Association (2012). Industry statistics and trends. Retrieved from www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp

  • Arhant-Sudhir, K., Arhant-Sudhir, R., & Sudhir, K. (2011). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk reduction: Supporting evidence, conflicting data and underlying mechanisms. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 38, 734–738. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05583.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barker, S. B., Rogers, C. S., Turner, J. W., Karpf, A. S., & Suthers-McCabe, H. M. (2003). Benefits of interacting with companion animals. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1). doi:10.117710002764203255215

  • Bath, P. A., Deeg, D., & Poppelaars, J. (2010). The harmonization of longitudinal data: A case study using data from cohort studies in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Ageing and Society, 30(8), 1419–1437 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X1000070X

  • Callahan, A. M. (2012). Ram veterinary social work: How undergraduate social workers can make a difference. Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, 17(17), 149–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlisle-Fran, P., & Frank, J. M. (2006). Owners, guardians, and owner-guardians: Differing relationships with pets. Anthrozoos, 19(3), 225–242. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/089279306785415574

    Google Scholar 

  • Chur-Hansen, A., Stern, C., & Winefield, H. (2010). Gaps in the evidence about companion animals and human health: Some suggestions for progress. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 8(3), 140–146. doi:10.1111/j.1744-1609.2010.00176.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chur-Hansen, A., Winefield, H. R., & Beckwith, M. (2009). Companion animals for elderly women: The importance of attachment. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 6(4), 281–293. doi:10.1080/14780880802314288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chur-Hansen, A., Winefield, H. R., & Beckwith, M. (2008). Reasons given by elderly men and women for not owning a pet, and the implications for clinical practice and research. Journal of Health Psychology, 13(8), 988–995. doi:10.1177/1359105308097961

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cline, K. M. (2010). Psychological effects of dog ownership: Role strain, role enhancement, and depression. Journal of Social Psychology, 150(2), 117–131. doi:10.1080/00224540903368533

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Connell, C. M., Janevic, M. R., Solway, E., & McLaughlin, S. J. (2007). Are pets a source of support or added burden for married couples facing dementia? Journal of Applied Gerontology, 26(5), 472–485. doi:10.1177/0733464807305180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Guzman, A. B., Cucueco, D. S., Cuenco, I. B. V., Cunanan, N. G. C., Dabandan, R. T., & Dacanay, E. J. E. (2009). Petmanship: Understanding elderly Filipinos’ self-perceived health and self-esteem captured from their lived experiences with pet companions. Educational Gerontology, 35(11), 963–989.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eshbaugh, E., Somervill, J. W., Koten, J. H., Perez, E., Nalan, K. R., Wilson, C. E., et al. (2011). Brief report: Presence of a dog, pet attachment, and loneliness among elders. North American Journal of Psychology, 13(1), 1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Enders-Slegers, M. (2000). The meaning of companion animals: Qualitative analysis of the life histories of elderly cat and dog owners. In A. L. Podberscek, E. S. Paul, & J. A. Serpell (Eds.), Companion animals and us: Exploring the relationships between people and pets. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedmann, E., & Son, H. (2009). The human-companion animal bond: How humans benefit. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 39, 293–326. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.10.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hafen, M, Jr, Rush, B. R., Reisbig, A. M. J., McDaniel, K. Z., & White, M. B. (2007). The role of family therapists in veterinary medicine: Opportunities for clinical services, education, and research. Marital and Family Therapy, 33(2), 165–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hara, S. (2007). Managing the dyad between independence and dependence: Case studies of the American elderly and their lives with pets. International Journal of Japanese Sociology, 16(1), 100–114. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6781.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris Interactive (2012). Pets aren’t just animals; They are members of the family. Retrieved from http://www.harrisinteractive.com/NewsRoom/HarrisPolls/tabid/447/mid/1508/articleId/1076/ctl/ReadCustom%20Default/Default.aspx

  • Johnson, R. A., & Meadows, R. L. (2002). Older Latinos, pets and health. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 609–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knight, S., & Edwards, V. (2008). In the company of wolves: The physical, social, and psychological benefits of dog ownership. Journal of Aging and Health, 20(4), 437–455. doi:10.1177/0898264308315875

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knight, S., & Herzog, H. (2009). All creatures great and small: New perspectives on psychology and human–animal interactions. Journal of Social Issues, 65(3), 451–461. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4560.2009.01608.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krause-Parello, C. A. (2008). The mediating effect of pet attachment support between loneliness and general health in older females living in the community. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 25(1), 1–14. doi:10.1080/07370010701836286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kruger, K. A., & Serpell, J. A. (2006). Animal-assisted interventions in mental health: Definitions and theoretical foundations. In A. H. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (2nd ed. pp. 21–38). New York: Academic Press. Retrieved from http://research.vet.upenn.edu/Portals/36/media/Animal%20Assited%20Interventions%20in%20Mental%20Health.pdf

  • Langfield, J., & James, C. (2009). Fishy tales: Experiences of the occupation of keeping fish as pets. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(8), 349–356.

    Google Scholar 

  • McColgan, G., & Schofield, I. (2007). The importance of companion animal relationships in the lives of older people. Nursing Older People, 19(1), 21–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2004). The role of pets in the social networks of children, adolescents and elderly people. Abstract retrieved from http://www.petpartners.org/document.doc?id=119

  • McNicholas, J., Gilbey, A., Rennie, A., Ahmedzai, S., Dono, J., Ormerod, E. (2005). Pet ownership and human health: A brief review of evidence and issues. British Medical Journal, 331, 1252-1254. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1252

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagasawa, M., & Ohta, M. (2010). The influence of dog ownership in childhood on the sociality of elderly Japanese men. Animal Science Journal, 81(3), 377–383. doi:10.1111/j.1740-0929.2010.00741.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neidhart, L., & Boyd, R. (2002). Companion animal adoption study. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 5(3), 175–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Netting, F. E., Wilson, C. C., & New, J. C. (1987). The human-animal bond: Implications for practice. Social Work, 32(1), 60–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • New, J. C., Salman, M. D., King, M., Scarlett, J. M., Kass, P. H., & Hutchison, J. M. (2000). Characteristics of shelter-relinquished animals and their owners compared with animals and their owners in U.S. pet-owning households. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(3), 179–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Haire, M. (2009). The benefits of companion animals for human mental and physical health. Retrieved from http://www.rsp

    Google Scholar 

  • Our pet causes (2008). Harvard Health Letter, 33(6), 6–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parslow, R. A., Jorm, A. F., Christensen, H., Rodgers, B., & Jacomb, P. (2005). Pet ownership and health in elderly adults: Findings from a survey of 2,551 community-based Australians aged 60–64. Gerontology, 51(1), 40–47. doi:10.1159/000081433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • PR Web (2011). New survey reveals pet ownership at its highest level in two decades and pet owners are willing to pay when it comes to pet’s health. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/4/prweb8252684.htm

  • Power, E. (2008). Furry families: Making a human-dog family through home. Social and Cultural Geography, 9(5), 535–555. doi:10.1080/14649360802217790

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rijken, M., & van Beek, S. (2011). About cats and dogs…reconsidering the relationship between pet ownership and health related outcomes in community-dwelling elderly. Social Indicators Research, 102, 373–388. doi:10.1007/s11205-010-9690-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risely-Curtiss, C. (2010). Social work practitioners and the human-companion animal bond: A national study. Social Work, 55(1), 38–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risley-Curtiss, C., Holley, L. C., & Wolf, S. (2006). The animal-human bond and ethnic diversity. Social Work, 51(3), 257–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sachs-Ericsson, N. J., Hansen, N., & Fitzgerald, S. (2002). Benefits of assistance dogs: A review. Rehabilitation Psychology, 47(3), 251–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simmons, L. A., Simons, J., McCallum, J., & Friedlander, Y. (2000). Pet ownership is not associated with human health: A nine year prospective study in older Australians. Australasian Journal on Aging, 19(3), 139–142. doi:10.1111/j.1741-6612.2000.tb00166.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staats, S., Sears, K., & Pierfelice, L. (2006). Teachers’ pets and why they have them: An investigation of the human animal bond. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 36(8), 1881–1891. doi:10.1111/j.0021-9029.2006.00086.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staats, S., Wallace, H., & Anderson, T. (2008). Reasons for companion animal guardians (pet ownership) from two populations. Society and Animals, 16, 279–291. doi:10.1163/156853008X323411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tedeschi, P., Fitchett, J., & Molidor, C. E. (2005). The incorporation of animal-assisted interventions in social work education. Journal of Family Social Work, 9(4), 59–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The Humane Society of the United States (2011). U.S. pet ownership statistics. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html

  • Thorpe, R. J, Jr, Kreisle, R. A., Glickman, L. T., Simonsick, E. M., Newman, A. B., & Kritchevsky, S. (2006). Physical activity and pet ownership in year 3 of the health abc study. Journal of aging and physical activity, 14, 154–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, F. (2009). Human-animal bonds I: The relational significance of companion animals. Family Process, 48(4), 462–480. doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01296.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watt, D. & Pachana, N. A. (2007). The role of pet ownership and attachment in older adults. Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling, 13(1), 32-43. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1375/jrc.13.1.32

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, D. L. (2009). Associations between pet ownership and self-reported health status in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(4), 407–413. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wells, Y., & Rodi, H. (2000). Effects of pet ownership on the health and well-being of older people. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 19(3), 143–148. doi:10.1111/j.1741-6612.2000.tb00167.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winefield, H. R., Black, A., & Chur-Hansen, A. (2008). Health effects of ownership of and attachment to companion animals in an older population. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 15(4), 303–310. doi:10.1080/10705500802365532

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA

    Ann M. Callahan

  2. Southwest Georgia Technical College, 15689 U.S. Highway 19 North, Thomasville, GA, 31792, USA

    Regina Brotherton

Authors
  1. Ann M. Callahan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Regina Brotherton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ann M. Callahan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Halaevalu F.Ofahengaue Vakalahi

  2. School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

    Gaynell M. Simpson

  3. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, USA

    Nancy Giunta

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Callahan, A.M., Brotherton, R. (2014). Understanding the Human-Animal Bond: Implications for Practice with Community-Living Older Adults. In: Vakalahi, H., Simpson, G., Giunta, N. (eds) The Collective Spirit of Aging Across Cultures. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8594-5_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation