The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well-Being

This research concentrates on the value of animals to the short- and long-term physical and psychological health of humans. In addition to discussion of broader health aspects, this paper also focuses on the ability of companion animals to act as "therapists" to those in institutional settings and the ability of dogs to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases including cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes.

Although the researchers did not find any direct causal association between human health and companion animals, this study generally supports the notion that companion animals are beneficial to overall human health and well-being.