Beyond Pain Relief: The Human, Animal Bond and Why It Matters
By Alex Korol, DVM | Westway Animal Clinic
October 13th, 2026
Reading time: approximately 2-3 minutes
I am currently taking the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Pain Management Certificate Course to further improve how we recognize, assess, and manage pain in our patients at Westway Animal Clinic.
One particularly inspiring lecture, presented by Dr. Mike McFarland, Global Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), explored the powerful connection between pets, people, and pain management.
It reminded me that veterinary medicine is not just about treating disease. It is about protecting the special bond between animals and their families.
The Human-Animal Bond: A Universal Connection
Research presented during the lecture involved 18,000 pet owners and 1,350 veterinarians across nine countries, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, and China.
An impressive 88% of pet owners reported that their pets positively influenced their health.
Among those reporting benefits:
- 55% identified primarily emotional and mental health benefits.
- 31% reported both physical and emotional benefits.
- 15% identified primarily physical benefits.
Expanded HABRI–Zoetis international research also highlighted remarkable findings:
- 95% consider their pets family members.
- 98% report at least one health benefit from pet ownership.
- 76% would make major life changes to accommodate their pets.
These figures come from different survey waves and measures, but they illustrate the extraordinary importance of companion animals in people’s lives.
Pets, Children, and Family Life
Whether in Toronto, London, São Paulo, or Tokyo, pets often become important members of the family.
For children, animals can be companions, playmates, and sources of comfort. Research supported by HABRI suggests that positive interactions with pets may help children develop empathy, responsibility, confidence, and social skills.
Think about a dog waiting at the door when children return from school or a cat sleeping beside a child at night.
These simple moments build lifelong memories and meaningful relationships.
But what happens when pain begins to interfere?
How Chronic Pain Affects the Bond
A dog with osteoarthritis may stop playing with the children or become reluctant to go for walks.
A cat experiencing joint pain may no longer jump onto the bed or seek affection as frequently.
Families sometimes interpret these changes as normal aging. However, reduced activity, withdrawal, and changes in behaviour may be signs of chronic pain.
Pain can affect much more than movement. It can influence sleep, emotional well-being, and interactions with family members.
With appropriate pain management, many pets can regain comfort, mobility, and enjoyment of their favourite activities.
Our Commitment at Westway Animal Clinic
As part of my continuing WSAVA education, we are strengthening our approach to pain recognition and monitoring at Westway Animal Clinic.
Our goal is to combine validated pain assessment tools, individualized treatment plans, and owner observations to improve our patients’ quality of life.
We want to know not only whether your pet is moving better, but also whether they are playing, interacting, and enjoying family life again.
Because successful pain management is not simply about reducing pain. It is about preserving the moments and relationships that make our pets family.
Coming Next: Recognizing Chronic Pain in Cats
In our next educational blog, we will explore how to recognize chronic pain in cats, including subtle behavioural changes, signs of feline osteoarthritis, and how pet owners can help identify discomfort before it significantly affects their cat’s quality of life.
Dr. Alex Korol, DVM
Westway Animal Clinic
1500 Royal York Road, Units 29 & 40, Toronto, ON M9P 3B6
Progressive, Personalized, Passionate, Collaborative Care – From Our Family to Yours.
References
- WSAVA Global Pain Council. 2022 WSAVA Guidelines for the Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain. WSAVA Pain Guidelines.
- HABRI and Zoetis. International Human–Animal Bond Survey. HABRI Research.
- HABRI. HABSCORE: Quantifying the Strength of the Human–Animal Bond. HABSCORE Factsheet.
- HABRI. Research on the human–animal bond, children, and family well-being. HABRI Research Library.
- McFarland M. The Human–Animal Bond and Pain Management. WSAVA/IVAPM Pain Management Certificate Course lecture.
About Us
We exist to focus on the continuous improvement of pets' lives and to create an everlasting connection between pets and their family