More Than Companions: The Healing Bond Between Humans and Animals

Why Life’s Better with Animals by Your Side

Carol Lincoln - June 2025

I attended an event at the Palace of Westminster recently representing the National School Dog Association. We were there promoting the power of the human animal bond to members of Parliament.  I was amazed at how many acting MP’s, across all parties, young and old packed into the room, all hoping to meet a dog or two and share their own stories about their family pets and beloved dogs long since passed. 

One of the MP’s I spoke to said “Why wouldn’t any of us not want to back anything to do with the well-being of companion animals, it’s probably the only subject I can think of where all individuals and parties would agree without agenda!”

That my friend is the power of the Human Animal Bond at the highest level!

Where it truly matters, however, it is at home—with an individual or family—where companion animals and their bond with humans’ cross countries, cultures, and even the conflicts and disagreements that seem to be increasingly dividing us.

According to a recent HABRI report

• 95% of pet owners from around the world consider their pet a part of their family

• 92% say there’s no reason they would ever be convinced to give up their pet

• 76% say they would make major life changes for their pet, if necessary

There are around 470 million pet dogs worldwide and 370 cat owners, so that’s a lot of people – all in agreement!

What can caring for an animal do for us?

Looking after a pet does far more than provide companionship—it can actually transform our well-being. Studies show that pet ownership is linked to lower heart rates, reduced cholesterol, and decreased blood pressure, particularly during stressful moments. Beyond the physical benefits, pets have a positive impact on our emotional health. They lift our spirits, helping us feel less lonely or isolated, and bring joy and comfort into our lives. For those facing mental health challenges, animals offer daily support—both at home and out in public places. They also help spark conversations, making it easier to connect with others and build a feeling of belonging in a community. Walking a dog not only improves physical fitness but also encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with nature. In so many ways, our pets are quiet heroes—bringing people of all ages (and political preferences) together.

Therapy animals take this connection to another level.

Specially trained to offer emotional support and comfort, therapy animals visit hospitals, schools, care homes, and other community places to help children and older people feel calmer, safer, and more connected. They provide non-judgmental companionship to children struggling with learning, reduce anxiety in healthcare settings, and offer a sense of grounding and routine for those experiencing trauma or grief. Their presence can ease social barriers, boost confidence, and even motivate children and older people to engage in communicating and therapeutic activities. Whether it’s a dog curling up next to someone in a hospital bed or sitting patiently with a nervous reader in a classroom, therapy animals bring a unique kind of healing—one that speaks without words, yet is deeply felt.  At TDT UK we call this ‘The Magic’.

Assistance and service dogs go even further, providing life-changing support to their guardians

These highly trained animals perform specific tasks to help people with disabilities live more independently and confidently. They might help individuals with visual impairments, alert someone who is deaf to important sounds, or retrieve dropped items and open doors for those with mobility challenges. Some are trained to detect and respond to medical conditions like epileptic seizures, low blood sugar, or PTSD episodes—providing safety, stability, and peace of mind. Beyond these highly trained dogs usually undertaken by a specialist charity, people are now increasingly owner training their own pets as assistance dogs to provide constant companionship and emotional support, helping their owners navigate daily life with greater ease and dignity. For many, they are more than helpers—they are lifelines.

In the end, animals have an incredible ability to lift our spirits, improve our health, and bring people together. Whether they’re our loyal pets, comforting therapy animals, or hardworking assistance dogs, their presence adds something truly special to our lives. They support us in all sorts of ways big and small—offering companionship, connection, and even life-changing help when we need it most.

It was a reminder made real for me that day at the House of Parliament that sometimes, the most powerful bonds don’t need words or complicated agendas at all—just trust, love, fun and a wagging tail. So, before I sign off, one of the reasons we were there was to spread the message - let’s give back to our companion animals in the best way we can for the few short years we have with them —by truly understanding our pet’s needs, learning how to communicate with them, and making sure they live happy, healthy, and enriched lives.

Because when we care for our animals with compassion and respect, we don’t just change their world—they change ours too.

Carol Lincoln is a director and online course creator for Therapy Dog Training UK and TDT UK (the latter offers online Foundation Training for owner training your own assistance dog).  Online certification workshops and courses are backed by a UK wide network of highly trained and experienced TDT UK Trusted Trainers offering live training support and assessments. 

Information about Training and Certifying a Therapy Dog www.therapydogtraining.co.uk

Foundation Training for Owner Training an Assistance Dog www.tdtuk.co.uk

TDT UK is proud to be a founder member of The National School Dog Association www.nsda.co.uk

HABRI – Human Animal Bond Research www.habri.org