For those who wish to interact with a pet, controlled animal visits can provide that therapeutic contact. The appropriate use of pets in the health care setting can reduce people's stress and improve their response to treatment and recovery. With regard to risk management, it is crucial that visiting animals and handlers are well-trained and reliable. Pets clearly can help protect us from damage done by loneliness. We have pets because we need them.
Pets can be a source of humor, and humor can have positive effects on health.
Migraine is a common cause of headache in children and causes significantly reduced school attendance. Think of all the people who might benefit from contact with companion animals. The man who shuffles down the street. The latchkey child. The coworker and the researcher.