Human–animal interaction

Human–animal interaction is the reciprocal influence of people and other animals through direct contact and shared environments. It includes relationships with companion animals, working animals, wildlife, and livestock.

Human–animal bond: A close, mutually influential relationship between a person and an animal. This enduring relationship is one form of interaction, shaped by repeated contact and attachment.
Animal-assisted therapy: A structured therapeutic intervention that incorporates an animal to support treatment goals. It applies planned human–animal contact within clinical care.
Human health: A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in people. Animal contact can affect human well-being, with outcomes depending on context.
Pet ownership: The keeping and care of a companion animal by a person or household. Companion animals show how domestic routines sustain repeated contact and attachment.
Anthrozoology: The interdisciplinary study of relationships and interactions between humans and other animals. It provides a broad framework for studying the reciprocal processes involved.
Animal-assisted education: An educational approach that incorporates animals to support learning and development. It uses interaction as part of teaching and educational support.
Stress in animals: A set of physiological and behavioral responses animals show when challenged or threatened. Handling and contact can trigger stress responses that reveal costs to animals.
Service animal: An animal trained to perform tasks that assist a person with a disability. Task-specific partnership illustrates interaction organized around access and assistance.
Animal-assisted intervention: A goal-directed intervention that incorporates animals to support human health, education, or well-being. Structured contact makes interaction an intentional part of treatment or learning.
Animal-assisted activities: Informal, goal-oriented activities involving animals to promote well-being or social engagement. It covers less formal encounters than therapy or educational programs.

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