Human Health Benefits of Non-Conventional Companion Animals: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT:

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Bonds with companion animals are believed to benefit human physical, psychological, and social health. Most research into the human–animal bond has focused on dogs, cats, and horses. However, many people have close relationships with other species such as fish, birds, and reptiles, yet there is limited research into human health benefits that relationships with these animals might offer. This review identified empirical studies and newspaper articles which examined health benefits from bonds with any animal species that was not cat, dog, or horse. We found studies on the health benefits of bonds with companion birds, fish, snakes, tortoises, insects, and amphibians. We also found media articles discussing the health benefits of bonds with rabbits and rats. Studies w

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PROVIDER: S-EPMC9817996 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature