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Our Mission is to provide education, resources, and support that enhance
the ability of veterinarians to create a positive, and ethical relationship between
people, animals, and their environment.
What is the Human-Animal Bond?
“The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between
people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the
health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional,
psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment.
The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of
this relationship between people and other animals.”
Statement from the Committee on the Human-Animal Bond in JAVMA vol. 212,
No. 11, p1675, June 1, 1998
Veterinary Medical professionals, and students recognize:
- The strong emotional attachment many people have to their animals
- The human-animal bond is a diverse, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative field
- They play an important stewardship, and leadership role in the interrelationships
between animals, people, and their environment.
- They play a significant role when there is an anticipated or actual death of a companion
animal.
- Children’s lives are enhanced intellectually, emotionally, and physically by animals.
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The Human – Animal Bond Has been Scientifically Proven To Benefit People:
- Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the physiological and psychological
health benefits people derive from the presence of animals in their lives.
- The prescription of an animal (dog, cat, bird, horse, etc.) is becoming a reality
in the human health professions.
- Animals have been shown to provide physical and emotional benefits and services
to visually impaired, hearing impaired, the elderly and others in need.
“The celebration, protection and nurturing of the human-animal bond is veterinary
medicine’s North Star. It is the reason our profession exists, is trusted, admired
and thrives. Veterinary practice must be a blend of science and soul. Successful
veterinarians know that the human-animal bond is the fuel that powers the emotional
side of our profession. The bond allows us to thrive and not just survive in the
greatest profession on earth.” - Marty Becker, DVM
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