The Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation has released the findings of a survey revealing the views of the family physician (also known as the GP) on the benefits of pets to health.
An online panel survey of 1,000 family doctors and general practitioners explored the doctors’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding the human health benefits of pets. The 28-question survey was conducted in August 2014 with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The physicians in the survey had a median of 18 years in professional practice.
Key findings included:
- 69% of doctors have worked with animals in a hospital, medical center or medical practice to assist patient treatment
- 88% believe that interaction with pets improves a patient’s physical condition
- 97% believe that interaction with pets improves mental health condition
- 78% found that interaction with animals helped to improve the relationships of patients with staff
- 97% of doctors reported that they believe there were health benefits resulting from pet ownership
- 75% of doctors said they saw health improve in one or more patients as a result of pet ownership
The survey also revealed that while 69% of doctors at least occasionally discussed the health benefits of pets with patients, 56% identified ‘time constraints’ as the largest barrier to having these discussions.
“The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative funds research on the evidence-based health benefits on human-animal interaction, and this survey demonstrates that we are on the right track” said HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman.
“HABRI hopes that this survey will help break down the barriers and get more doctors and their patients talking about the important, scientifically-validated health benefits of pets.”
Source: HABRI media release
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