Definition of ‘value’ – “the regard that something is held to deserve; importance or worth.”[1]

Definition of ‘pet’ - “a domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure.”[2] 

Pets have value to humans in a variety of ways.  Many people keep pets for companionship or pleasure but this value extends much further than this into work assistance, mental and physical healing, parental fulfillment and education as this essay will demonstrate.  Although all pets have a value to humans the majority of research has been centred on dogs, and as such, we will concentrate on this area.

Man’s relationship with the dog or ‘canis familiaris’ began as long ago as 100,000 years BC.  “Studies tell us the ancient wolf [which evolved into the domestic dog] shared the same instincts and the same social organisation of early man – a common trait being selfishness. (p.12)”[3]  A dog’s motivation is “what’s in it for me?” as it is equally for man.  The two species came together for the mutual benefit of each other.  Man could take advantage of the dog’s exceptional hunting skills of flushing out and if necessary killing the prey, and at night man provided dog with warmth of the fire and discarded scraps of food.  The dog was also the first line of defense, warning off attackers and signaling the humans to any approaches to the camp.  Though the dog's primary role was probably utilitarian, strong bonds of affection were quickly forged, as proven by a fossil found at the Natufian site of Ein Mallaha (Northern Israel).  Here, well-preserved remains dating back 12,000 years revealed the skeleton of a man with his hand resting protectively on the head of a puppy lying closely by his side. (See fig.1 - appendix)[4]

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) there are 6.1million dogs in Britain and almost half of all households (11 million) in the country have at least one pet. This human need to have a pet is unique to our species.  Leading scientist and conservationist Edward Wilson acknowledged this need, calling it “biophilia – the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.”(p.5)[5] 

This could explain why humans are driven to seek animals for companionship and why we feel calmer or happier when we interact with animals. 

In 2002, the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) conducted a study to find out what owners said the key benefits were of having a pet. (See fig 2 - appendix).  The report produced interesting results; 75 per cent of owners said the key benefit was the ‘entertainment and laughter a pet brought them’.  This is an age-old sentiment, supported by novelist Samuel Butler, who wrote "The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."[6]
The report also sited that 67 per cent of owners found unconditional love the most important factor of having a pet, this supports Wilson’s argument of “biophilia”.  But what the report also illustrates is the importance pets play in providing emotional comfort and help in fighting depression and keeping owners fit.  The role of pets, in particular dogs, to aiding human health is now widely acknowledged amongst doctors, scientists and psychologists alike.  Studies show that as well as companion animals, “[dogs] have an important role to play as helpers to the handicapped [e.g. Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hearing Dogs], may alleviate depression, solace the lonely, facilitate psycho-therapy, socialise criminals, lower blood pressure, increase survivorship from myocardial infarction [heart attack] and ease the social pain of aging in our society.”(p.103)[7]

Pets especially dogs, are great morale boosters, they increase the social contacts and conversations for the owners (e.g.) taking a dog for a walk may initiate a conversation with another dog walker.  This is especially important for people prone to depressive moods.  Moreover, dogs and indeed other animals including cats and even monkeys are now used regularly as part of the healing process for patients in convalescence homes. This healing power of pets was especially significant when an earthquake devastated the Japanese city of Kobe in 1995.  According to Dr Gen Kato, president of the Japanese Animal Hospital Association, “It was an eye-opening experience for everyone.  People who had pets were clearly more happy and coped better with the disaster.”[8]  

The ability pets have in ‘taming’ people or making them calmer is a primary reason why they are also widely used in America’s prison system.  One notable example of a prisoner being rehabilitated through the power of pets is that of Robert Stroud, known as ‘The Birdman of Alcatraz’. His fascination with the species, led him to become a leading authority in ornithology, which consequently aided his release. (p.104)[9]

The bond between people and their pets is not unlike those between parents and children.  Research from Hong Kong suggests that couples are actively choosing to own pets rather than have babies to fulfill their maternal and paternal instincts. “…many young couples are unwilling to have babies due to the time factor, as well as the high education cost of a child. Keeping a pet is the next best solution to create a lively atmosphere in the home after work.”[10]

Pets also play an important role in households with children, as they help children to learn about responsibility and kindness.  Children learn best by example and they can develop an awareness of the needs of others by seeing how adults care for animals.

The PFMA’s survey revealed that 25 per cent of those polled believed having a pet helped their children perform better at school.  Moreover, studies in Australia have discovered that “pets greatly improve the social competence and self-esteem in children compared to those without”.[11] The study also claimed children with pets were less likely to criminally offend in later life.

Finally, humans have increased the value of pets for their own purpose, to bring out particular characteristics.  For example, the common goldfish is naturally black but through generations of breeding black goldfish with a few gold scales, we have created the ‘modern’ goldfish.  The purpose of this selective breeding is purely for the esthetic benefit of humans.[12]  

In summary, the reliable and unconditional love and companionship given by pets to humans is one of the most rewarding.  The soothing stroking of an animal provides people with comfort and relief when times are tough, they create social contact and aid recovery for disabled people, and they play a vital role in rescue and police work.  As our lifestyles become ever more filled with gadgets and wizardry, there is little doubt there is any substitute that can fulfill the valuable role pets play in our lives.

By Hanne Grice