Welfare Science

Animal Welfare and Mental Health: Human-Animal Bond Benefits

Overview of the evidence for mental health benefits of human-animal bonds and welfare implications.

Key Facts

Evidence supports mental health benefits of companion animal relationships for many people
Animal-assisted therapy is used in mental health, rehabilitation, and care settings
Welfare of animals in therapeutic settings requires active management
One Health approaches recognise bidirectional benefits between human and animal wellbeing
Mental health benefits of human-animal bonds are most robust for dogs and horses

Welfare Considerations

The relationship between human mental health and companion animal welfare creates a bidirectional welfare opportunity. Human mental health benefits from companion animals are well-documented. Animal welfare in therapeutic settings requires active management to prevent exploitation. One Health approaches that recognise the welfare of both humans and animals in these relationships enable more ethical and sustainable therapeutic practices.

What You Can Do

Ensure animals used in therapeutic settings have welfare assessment and monitoring
Support One Health approaches that consider both human and animal wellbeing
Engage with human-animal bond research that integrates animal welfare measurement