title: Animal-assisted therapy at Mayo Clinic: The time is now.
abstract: The animal-human bond refers to an emotional, almost existential, relationship between animals and people. From the time of antiquity, domestic animals were an important source of economic vitality, but with the changing cultural landscape, the companion animal has become a faithful friend. Overwhelming anecdotal evidence supports the healing power of this relationship. We summarize the emerging literature on the neurobiochemical and cardiovascular benefits of companion pet ownership. We address the peer-reviewed data from myriad journal articles assessing the impact of the companion animal on the quality and often the length of life of select patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. Electronic address: creagan.edward@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Edward T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Creagan
authors.affiliation: Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Complementary Integrative Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Brent A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.affiliation: Complementary Integrative Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Thomley
authors.affiliation: Complementary Integrative Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Borg
mesh_terms: D056447:Animal Assisted Therapy; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D008910:Minnesota; D057805:Pets; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: Aging; Dog; Pet therapy