One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative aimed at optimizing human, animal, and environmental health on a local, national, and global basis.
This paper reviewed existing evidence- based literature about the benefits of the human–animal bond. It focused particularly on cancer, heart disease (the leading cause of death in humans worldwide), autism spectrum disorder, and economic benefits of the human–animal bond. Research suggests that pet companionship reduces cardiovascular risk factors (eg, lack of exercise, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stress, depression). Cancer patients also benefit from positive interactions with animals, which may ease the discomforts of cancer therapy, decrease depression, and—particularly in pediatrics—promote a sense of well-being and motivation to “get better.”