Lynette A. Hart, PhD

Do you think pets are just good company? They may be much more. Dr. Lynette Hart discusses the positive side effects of companion animals on humans in various situations.

Guide dogs have assisted people with visual disabilities since 1819 in Vienna, and a school was established in the United States in the 1920s.

The notion that animals benefit human health and wellbeing has become a widespread belief.

Veterinarians in the past couple decades have embraced the growing awareness and accommodation for what is often termed "the human-animal bond," a concept that was developed by Leo Bustad.

Elderly people and others who are vulnerable due to disabilities potentially can benefit the most from canine companionship.

The veterinary staff sees families and provides care at their moments of greatest worry concerning their companion animals.

Pets are one avenue for knowing other species, and broader exposure to wild settings in nature is also important.

Veterinarians have the unique position of experiencing their patients' deaths at a rate seven times that of human physicians, frequently leading them into unique shared emotional experiences with clients whom they have known for many years.

Veterinarians are faced with the short life spans of their patients, providing them a large number of aged patients with chronic conditions and requiring special care.

The veterinary staff sees families at their moments of greatest worry concerning their companion animals.

Veterinarians have the unique position of experiencing their patients' deaths at a rate seven times that of human physicians, frequently leading them into unique shared emotional experiences with clients whom they have known for many years.

Veterinarians are faced with the short life spans of their patients, providing them a large number of aged patients with chronic conditions and requiring special care.

The notion that animals benefit human health and wellbeing has become a widespread belief.

The veterinary staff sees families at their moments of greatest worry concerning their companion animals.

"A lonely dilemma descends on a people when they are separated from the elemental processes of nature, for we are all integral parts of one interdependent, interrelated, and remarkable community." (Bustad, 1988)

Many people working in the health professions wish to somehow incorporate animal-assisted activities or therapy into their work, either in the workplace or as an occasional activity.

Elderly people and others who are vulnerable due to disabilities potentially can benefit the most from canine companionship.

Wherever a veterinary practice may be established, issues concerning animals arise in the community.