The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well‐Being The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well‐Be | Page 6

Table 2. Adverse effects of companion animal ownership
Health risk
Summary Minimising the risk
 Potential for transmission of infectious agents
from companion animals to humans (eg.
dermatophytosis, taxoplasmosis, toxocariasis,
echinococcus, giardia) Relatively low risk which can be
reduced by vaccinating
animals and employing hygiene
practices such as washing
hands after touching animals, avoiding
pet-derived
secretions and avoiding ill animals
Allergies 24  Many people have allergies to animals Some breeds of cats and dogs are less
likely to exacerbate
allergies
Mammalian
bites  Bites are extremely common (85–90% from dogs):
most often the dog is known to the victim (family
dog or neighbour) and the attack occurs within the
family home 
High attachment to a pet may result in a reluctance
to prioritise health interests if it conflicts with the
human-pet relationship 
Zoonotic
diseases
Avoidance
of
care



Other



Cost of owning a pet
Time it takes to care for a pet: training, walking
Grief experienced due to the loss of a pet


Educating children about how to
safely interact with dogs (eg. not
inciting aggression)
Children should be supervised at
all times when around pets that
have the potential to bite
Check that the patient has
friends/family or boarding
facilities that can care for pets in
their absence
Be aware of any pet attachment
that may impede helpseeking, and
consider this in the patient's care
plan
Pets obtained from a shelter (eg.
RSPCA) or pet foster programs are
de-sexed and vaccinated
Discounts on registration are
available for dogs that are trained
and de-sexed