Service Animals Versus Companion Animals

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A service animal (usually a dog) is an animal that has been specially trained to help a human function in their normal daily lives.

A companion animal (cats, dogs and other pets) give their humans emotional support and supply them with stress reduction benefits. A recent study in Australia shows that dog owners and their dogs have matching heart rates and beats – they syncronize.

In the UK, family time off (paid) used to mean maternity and death of a loved one. Now it also includes bringing a new pet into the home. Yeah, paid time off to do whatever with your new pet. In my opinion, that might go over a line that employers shouldn’t cross but that’s me. If I have a pet emergency, I ain’t coming in to work. If I’m adopting a new pet, I do it on a Friday so I have nearly 72 hours with them.

As I read research, web sites and documentation for my book, I get the distinct feeling that companion animals get the low end of the totem pole – are second class pets behind service animals. Yes, service animals do get a lot of training and are actually working animals that provide an absolutely needed service. I’ve seen them in action and I’ve seen the training they get. It’s amazing.

Concerning companion animals, these animals provide and equal (in my opinion) importance – they save lives by reducing contributing factors to health problems. This is a subject that I can attest to personally – having had a wide gamut of pets: Rabbits, Cats, Birds, Lizards, Preying Mantis (honest) and Tree Frogs, plus fish and at one time a killer Red Slider Turtle. Even the care and upkeep of pets can be theraputic simply because concentrating on something other than the problems in your life can save your life from the reduced stress, lower heart rate and with some pets, the exercise that comes with their care.

Let’s look at this article:

Companion animals may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and regulating the heart rate during stressful situations. In a 2002 study, researchers measured changes in heart rate and blood pressure among people who had a dog or cat, compared to those who did not, when participants were under stress (performing a timed math task).

Children’s exposure to companion animals may also ease anxiety. For example, one study measured blood pressure, heart rate, and behavioral distress in healthy children aged 3 to 6 at two different doctor visits for routine physicals.

Among elderly people, pet ownership might also be an important source of social support that enhances well-being. In one study, elderly individuals that had a dog or cat were better able to perform certain physical activities deemed “activities of daily living,” such as the ability to climb stairs; bend, kneel, or stoop; take medication; prepare meals; and bathe and dress oneself.

My own mother has a companion animal and while the animal’s health problems weigh greatly on her, just having the animal in the house gives her focus, a loving relationship and a constant companion. That’s not to be taken lightly.

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