Haarige Helfer,gefiederte Gefährten und schuppige Freunde

Pets are not only family members. For a lot of people in all stages of life cycle, pets are important sources of support. They are able to contribute to our health as well as to buffer stress and illness in our lives. The may be seen as important agents of socialisation and development of children and as friendly companions of the elderly. The article reviews the state of knowledge in positive aspects of human animal bonds and develops a bio-psycho-social panorama of effects.