Management of human-animal bond in the urban environment: ethological aspects

The thesis focuses on understanding the human-animal bond (HAB) in urban environments, with a focus on both traditional pets (dogs and cats) and less conventional ones (reptiles). The aim was to explore how these interactions benefit people, improve well-being, and contribute to education and awareness. The research was divided into five studies, each addressing a specific aspect of the topic. The first study is a literature review summarizing the benefits of pet ownership, such as improved mental and physical health, reduced loneliness, and stronger social connections. The second study involved validating the Cat/Dog Owner Relationship Scale (C/DORS) for Italian cat owners, showing the importance of the bond between people and their pets and how it supports emotional well-being. The third study explored the bond between reptile owners and their pets, finding that although this relationship is less intense than with dogs and cats, it is still meaningful for owners. The fourth study examined the impact of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) in nursing homes. Results showed that therapy dogs helped improving the general quality of life of the residents, demonstrating the positive effects of structured human-animal interactions. The fifth study was an educational program in primary schools, designed to teach children about caring for animals and the benefits of the human-animal relationship. The program improved children’s understanding and attitudes towards animals. Overall, the research highlights how human-animal bonds differ depending on the type of animal and the context. While dogs and cats form strong emotional connections with their owners, reptiles offer a different, less interactive kind of bond. The findings also show the potential of therapy animals to support vulnerable populations and the importance of teaching children about animals from a young age. This work suggests that integrating animals into urban environment might improve quality of life and wellbeing for both people and animals.