About the Human Animal Bond

At the core of the Farley Foundation is a belief in the human-animal bond, and a commitment to

1.    Assisting people for whom their pets play a vital role in their lives, and
2.    Assisting pets to be happy and healthy, so that they may continue their relationship with their humans for as long as humanely possible.

The Farley Foundation has made a concerted effort to assist those individuals in our society who may benefit most (physically and emotionally) from pet companionship. We hope that you will join us in supporting people and pets.

What is the Human-Animal Bond?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines the human-animal bond as:

“A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and 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, animals, and the environment. The veterinarian's role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and animals.”

What kinds of Benefits does Pet Ownership foster for Pet Owners?

For centuries, authors have written about the special relationship between animals and their human companions, researchers have studied the effects of pet ownership on human emotional and physical health, and now, more and more veterinary clinics are basing their services on the philosophy of the human-animal bond.

According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) (United States) pet ownership has been linked to decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. Pet ownership also helps to decrease feelings of loneliness, increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, and increase opportunities for socialization.

Below are a series of articles and links to help you explore the human-animal bond… enjoy your pets!

Human-Animal Bond Articles and Links

Pets: An Integral Part of the Family

Women Think Pets are the Cat's Meow

Live Longer-Own a Pet

Pet Ownership is Good for You

Pets are Good for Kids

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) – Pet Owner Information