scholarly journals Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 100-108
Author(s):  
John Darroch ◽  
Carole Adamson
Keyword(s):  
Human Services ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Disaster Planning ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Conceptual Base ◽  
Ethical Imperative ◽  
Loss And Grief ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

INTRODUCTION: Companion animals have often been treated as an afterthought, or ignored, by those involved in planning for and responding to disasters. This omission in planning for the needs of companion animals has been predicated upon a failure to recognise the emotional bond between many people and their companion animals. This has resulted in significant costs for humans and animals in many disasters. This article serves to raise issues regarding the responsibilities of human service organisations (HSOs) for animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).METHOD: This article develops a conceptual base for the consideration of the inclusion of animals in disaster planning and response within human services organisations. By first establishing the legitimacy of the human–animal bond and the requirement for human services organisations to develop their disaster planning, an exploration of the literature explores the rationale for the inclusion of companion animals within DRR.FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: A clearly demonstrated relationship between DRR and the presence of companion animals is evidenced within the literature. Delays in evacuation due to the lack of facilities for companion animals, the loss and grief experienced by those forced to abandon their animals, and the particular vulnerabilities of those living in isolation or in homeless situations attest to the importance of animal-inclusive planning. Those living with animals may be more inclined to commit to DRR if the needs of their animals are included in planning. A mandate for organisational and professional responsibility for the inclusion of companion animals is established.CONCLUSION: For effective DRR, human services organisations have a professional and ethical imperative to include companion animals in their disaster planning and response. 

“Nobody Noticed”: Leadership and Issues of Workplace Loss and Grief

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Human Services ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Job Security ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Private Lives ◽  
Loss And Grief ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Creating Meaning

Modern commentators are demonstrating how the workplace is changing radically, with a long-hours culture and increasing uncertainty over job security and prospects. With people spending more time in work, they need to find the sort of meaning there that many people looked for in home and leisure. Many people's private lives are sacrificed to the demands of employers and, therefore, when instances of crisis and loss arise, these can be more devastating if the workplace is unsupportive or rejecting. Leadership is an essential attribute in promoting an ethos of meaning and humanity in workplace situations. This paper considers the nature of the current working environment; the role of leadership in creating meaning and learning; and the importance of organizational culture—a positive culture that encapsulates the whole person, not simply a false notion of including just “the part of the person” who is a worker in the organization. Examples from the author's work in human services in the United Kingdom illustrate the points made.

scholarly journals The human-animal bond: The role of anthropomorphism in diversity and variation

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith C. Adams ◽  
E. Anne McBride ◽  
A. Carr ◽  
K. Carnelley
Keyword(s):  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

scholarly journals Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: investigating links with mental health and loneliness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Ratschen ◽  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Karine Silva ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Buffering Hypothesis ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
The Uk

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the human-animal bond, and human-animal interactions; and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions. Results: Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the human-animal bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported human-animal bond (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079 - .455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b = -.302, 95% CI [-.461 - -.144], p = .001) since lockdown. Conclusion: The human-animal bond is a construct of potential clinical importance to identify mental health vulnerability in animal owners. Animal ownership appeared to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of lockdown. Further targeted investigation of the role of human-animal relationships and interactions for human health, including testing of the social buffering hypothesis and the development of instruments suited for use across animal species, is required.

scholarly journals Rethinking human-animal relations: The critical role of social psychology

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 769-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristof Dhont ◽  
Gordon Hodson ◽  
Steve Loughnan ◽  
Catherine E. Amiot
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Intergroup Relations ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Social Psychological Research ◽  
Human Animal

People deeply value their social bonds with companion animals, yet routinely devalue other animals, considering them mere commodities to satisfy human interests and desires. Despite the inherently social and intergroup nature of these complexities, social psychology is long overdue in integrating human-animal relations in its theoretical frameworks. The present body of work brings together social psychological research advancing our understanding of: 1) the factors shaping our perceptions and thinking about animals as social groups, 2) the complexities involved in valuing (caring) and devaluing (exploiting) animals, and 3) the implications and importance of human-animal relations for human intergroup relations. In this article, we survey the diversity of research paradigms and theoretical frameworks developed within the intergroup relations literature that are relevant, perchance critical, to the study of human-animal relations. Furthermore, we highlight how understanding and rethinking human-animal relations will eventually lead to a more comprehensive understanding of many human intergroup phenomena.

The Human–Animal Bond and Grief and Loss: Implications for Social Work Practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 104438942110151
Author(s):  
Ellen E. Whipple
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Grief And Loss ◽  
Disenfranchised Grief ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

The human–animal bond (HAB) is a powerful emotional attachment which often elevates pets to the status of a family member. Because companion animals typically live much shorter lives than humans, grief and loss is a problem that is frequently encountered. Disenfranchised grief over the loss of a companion animal is an area that is often overlooked by mental health professionals. Sife has developed a model for the stages of grief and loss specific to companion animals. Questions about pets should be a part of every initial assessment done on a client. Effective interventions include understanding the significance of the HAB and grief and loss; bibliotherapy; psychoeducation; the importance of rituals; and the use of pet loss support groups.

scholarly journals Godsdienstige perspektiewe op mens-dier interaksie

2002 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Van Heerden
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Religious Perspectives ◽  
History Of ◽  
Reverence For Life ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Congregational Ministry

Religious perspectives on human-animal interactionThe relationship between humans and animals can be influenced by religious belief. Regardless of the diversity of religions, kindness to all of God’s creatures seems to be a central concept. Theologians concerned with animal ethics currently emphasize an ecosystem approach with the focus on reverence for life and restricting harm to and suffering of all forms of life. Today many Christians experience an enriching relationship with animals. Although church leaders played an important role in the history of animal welfare, the human-animal bond is not an issue which receives much attention in the Christian church today. The role of theology in a multidisciplinary approach towards the enhancement of positive human-animal interaction, by means of research, education and congregational ministry is advocated.

scholarly journals Environmental Aspects of Domestic Cat Care and Management: Implications for Cat Welfare

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith L. Stella ◽  
Candace C. Croney
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Felis Silvestris ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
Felis Silvestris Catus ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
The Us ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Human Animal

Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are the most commonly kept companion animals in the US with large populations of owned (86 million), free-roaming (70 million), research (13,000), and shelter (2-3 million) cats. Vast numbers of cats are maintained in homes and other facilities each year and are reliant on humans for all of their care. Understanding cat behavior and providing the highest quality environments possible, including positive human-cat interactions, based on research could help improve the outcomes of biomedical research, shelter adoptions, and veterinary care, as well as overall cat welfare. Often, however, cats’ needs are inadequately met in homes and some aspects may also not be well met in research colonies and shelters, despite the fact that similar problems are likely to be encountered in all of these environments. This paper provides a brief overview of common welfare challenges associated with indoor housing of domestic cats. Essential considerations for cage confinement are reviewed, along with implications of poor cat coping, such as weakening of the human-animal bond and relinquishment to shelters. The important role that environmental management plays in cat behavior and welfare outcomes is explored along with the need for additional research in key areas.

scholarly journals PARTICIPATION IN AN INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE AND IMPLICIT BIASES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S201-S201
Author(s):  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher ◽  
James Oxley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Implicit Attitudes ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Biases against older adults and people with disabilities can lead to discriminatory behaviors. One way to better understand attitudes towards these populations is through the examination of implicit (unconscious) factors. This paper utilizes The Implicit Association Test, a computer-based categorization task designed to assess implicit or unconscious attitudes, to assess the impact of an intergenerational service-learning course created to support the human animal bond between vulnerable pet owners and their companion animals. This study, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, assessed the impact of college students’ interactions with older pet owners on these students’ implicit attitudes. Pre- and post-assessment of participating students found statistically significant decreased biases towards older people and people with disabilities after completing the course (p=.032). Results from this study suggest that participating in an intergenerational service-learning course centered around the human animal bond can positively affect implicit attitudes towards older adults or people with disabilities.

Companion Animal Death

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison M. J. Reisbig ◽  
McArthur Hafen ◽  
Adryanna A. Siqueira Drake ◽  
Destiny Girard ◽  
Zachary B. Breunig
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Human Relationships ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Loss And Grief ◽  
Subsequent Loss ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Relationship

Human–animal relationships are increasingly incorporated into families as a normal part of family life. Despite this, relationships with animals are often viewed as inferior to human relationships. This becomes problematic during times of loss and grief when members of a grieving companion animal owner's support system do not understand the salience of the relationship with the animal. Veterinary and other helping professionals need basic information about the experience of companion animal loss in order to help support and normalize the experiences of grieving companion animal owners. The present study qualitatively describes human–animal relationships and the subsequent loss and coping experienced by owners of beloved companion animals. Comparison with human and other types of loss and factors unique to companion animal loss are discussed, and practical applications for veterinary and other helping professionals are provided.

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