Terminology

Over the past 20 years the term 'human-companion animal bond’ (abbreviated to HCAB) has become a popular way of describing the attachments and relationships between people and pets.

…a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviours that are essential to the health and well-being of both.

Definition of the HCAB used by SCAS; taken from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2006.

Important elements of this definition are:

• A reciprocal and ‘mutually beneficial’ relationship. When companion animals are cared for responsibly there are mutual benefits to the well-being of both person and pet
• Involves emotional attachment
• Dynamic and evolving

Although the terms ‘companion animal’ and ‘pet’ are used interchangeably, more recently, particularly among animal welfare professionals, ‘companion animal’ is the preferred term.

This is because it recognises the pet’s family member status in Western traditions and acknowledges the individuality and the animal’s sentience (ability to feel and experience suffering) and the reciprocal nature of the relationship, whereas the term ‘pet’ is often associated with the animal being seen as simply an object or a possession.