Pet and humans have enjoyed a close relationship since earliest history.

The original relationship was based on the practical service the dog and cat could provide -- dogs guarding the home and helping with hunting or herding, and cats eliminating rodents from storage places for foods.

Although these roles (especially security) continue, the principal reason people own pets today is the close psychological bond between people and companion animals. That bond has grown through the ages in testimony to the benefits of pet ownership. Many of these benefits are just now being recognized by researchers.

Scientists are now studying the physiological and psychological aspects of pet ownership. Their research findings about the benefits of pets to people have received international attention. The University of Pennsylvania's Center for Interaction of Animals and Society, in 1981, sponsored the First International Conference on the Human/Companion Animal Bond. This attracted approximately 150 internationally prominent scholars and researchers focusing on the area of human/animal relationships. Some of those relationships and benefits discussed include:

• A dog or cat can ease loneliness and a feeling of isolation. This can be important to anyone, but is especially important to the elderly, who often live separated from their families.
• To the family, pets help build sound family relationships and encourage exercise for family members.
• To a child, pets provide important playmates and a special link with nature. Pets also aid in a child's understanding of responsibility and the development of positive self-images and greater confidence.
• For young adults and singles, cat and dogs provide excellent apartment companions with dogs (as in other cases) also providing security.
• For our health, pets have become recognized as important in many ways -- to help relax tensions and reduce blood pressure; in therapy for the disabled; and as an aid in creating an atmosphere of emotional well-being.

Recent news reports indicate that the business sector is beginning to recognize the importance of the human/companion animal bond:

• A life insurance company in Ohio includes pet ownership as a factor when considering granting discounts on premiums.
• Some companies now allow employees to bring pets with them to work.