ABSTRACT
In April, 1984, Psychology Today conducted a national survey probing for the relationship between humans and pets. Approximately 13,000 persons responded to the survey. This landmark survey indicates the pervasiveness of the animal/human bond and the extremely high prevalence of pets in US households. Survey respondents express positive feelings about pets and their roles in families. The data from this survey, important, positive and supportive of the animal/human connection, provide a base for probing the meaning and significance of pets for family members and families and what the human bond means to companion and domestic animals. The work in empirical vineyard area has received sufficient media attention to attract competent researchers and funds to work on significant conceptual issues and empirical problems. Pets are increasingly used in therapeutic situations involving persons with physical or mental deficits or with special problems. The pet is used as a conjunctive therapist, a facilitator of the therapeutic process.
