How do the pets in our lives affect our quality of life, sense of connection, and experiences of loneliness?
A new podcast, Understanding Pet Impacts on Quality of Life and Loneliness, from the Human-Animal Interaction Section of APA Division 17 features @Claire Schuch, PhD; @Candice Hinkle, MBA, PMP; and @Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH from the University of Tennessee Center for Pet Family Well-Being discussing research examining the role pets play in our lives.
🐾 This is a One Health conversation.
When we talk about loneliness or quality of life, it can be easy to focus only on the human experience. But for millions of pet families, well-being is interconnected.
A pet may be a companion, a source of routine, social connection, purpose, comfort, or motivation. At the same time, caring for an animal requires resources, accessible veterinary care, pet-inclusive housing, transportation, community support, and planning for times when a person may need help caring for their pet.
That is where the Human + Pet + Environment connection becomes especially important.
Understanding the human-animal bond means looking beyond whether someone simply "owns a pet." It means asking how that relationship functions within the family and what conditions help both people and animals thrive together.
🎧 Listen: Understanding Pet Impacts on Quality of Life and Loneliness
💬 Let's talk about it:
Where have you seen pets influence loneliness, connection, or quality of life-in your own life, your work, or the communities you serve?
And just as importantly: What supports need to be in place so the human-animal bond remains a source of well-being for both the person and the pet?
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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