Companion Animals: In Sickness and in Health

The literature on animals as human companions is divided into studies of naturally occurring pet ownership and studies in which pets have been introduced as some form of intervention. Research on naturally occurring pet ownership has yielded mixed results, although there is a tendency for studies that are stronger methodologically to show some mental or physical health advantage to ownership. The evaluation of interventions has not yet progressed beyond clinical impressions. Thus, the potential of such interventions has not been adequately assessed. I discuss human‐animal relations in terms of attachment and stress reduction, using data from my research to illustrate the stress reduction perspective.