Companion Animals Benefit Human Health

A puppy stares up with adoring eyes, full of love and devotion. A cat meows softly, curling up contentedly in a patch of sunlight. For many, the welfare of animals is a fleeting thought and may not even be considered on a daily basis. But for others, the happiness of dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs alike becomes a passionate hobby and in some cases, a lifetime of work and dedication. This can even be seen at Highland, where some students devote their time to training companion guide dogs.

Nearly 60 percent of American households have one or more pets, and many people study or see animals every day. However, the ways in which pets and animals impact human mood and overall health are rarely considered.

In 2013, the American Heart Association published a study analyzing the correlation between pets and cardiovascular risk. Data suggests that pets, particularly dogs, may lower the risks of heart disease in humans. Many studies have linked pet ownership to lower blood pressure levels, lower cholesterol, and reduced stress. Walking a pet is also a good source of exercise and reduces the risk of becoming overweight. Many of these health benefits pale in comparison to the ways that pet companionship and affection improve emotional health.

Students at Highland are accustomed to seeing friendly animal faces in the hallway. Highland offers a Companion Animal Sciences course, where students are given the opportunity to raise and train a dog which will later become a guide dog. Highland junior Abby Partlow can often be seen around Highland with her dog, Colette, who she has raised since October 2014.

“I have to train Colette to sit, lie down, stay, and come when called,” Partlow said. “Guild Dogs uses a training method where we reward the dogs for good behaviors. We also get the dogs used to being around lots of people and riding public transportation.”

Guide dogs become crucial companions to those who are blind or visually impaired. A guide dog safely leads a visually impaired person around obstacles and through crowds, and stops at curbs and stairs. Some guide dogs can even be trained to follow specific orders when given commands such as “find the door” or “find the elevator.”

Partlow recognized that companion animals and household pets have more impact on a person’s mood than it may have originally been thought.

“I definitely think that being around animals impacts a person’s mood,” Partlow said. “When I was a kid if I was ever crying or sad my dog Duke would come and sit with me. It always made me feel so much better. And still today, if I haven’t been having the best day and I just sit with Colette and pet her it always makes me happy.”

Despite the sense of bonding and companionship that often occurs between humans and animals, millions of pets end up in shelters each year, and more than seven animals per minute are euthanized. Utah has taken major steps in recognizing the importance of animal welfare. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in Kanab, is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country. Best Friends aims to provide a safe, happy home for animals while simultaneously promoting greater pet adoption initiatives throughout the United States.

Partlow also expressed her opinion that animal welfare should be more strongly emphasized in today’s world.

“So many people get pets without really thinking if they are really equipped to take care of them. Then they give them away and forget it even happened,” Partlow said.

There are various reasons why many people find themselves ill-suited to take care of a pet. This can include economic problems, divorce, a move, or simply not being informed about the animal’s needs. However, as time goes on, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, other no-kill organizations, and animal lovers such as Partlow aim to provide more awareness about animal welfare. These initiatives will obviously benefit the animals in addition to increasing the well-being of humans.

“I feel that people with pets tend to be a lot happier than those without,” Partlow said.