There is an undeniable bond that humans have with their pets, and the benefits of that relationship are numerous. But what is actually going on between humans and animals? How are these bonds forming and what are the positives and negatives that they yield? Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine where she directs the Human Animal Bond Lab, researches this very subject, and she explains these powerful bonds on this episode.

Tune in to learn:

• How Kerri began her research about human-animal bonds (3:45) • What happens in the human-animal connection (8:30) • The difference between human friendships and your relationship with animals (10:30) • The benefits of being a Pet Parent (15:00) • How human-animal relationships extend into other parts of life (21 :00) • Understanding the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs (23:10) • Why it’s important to continue researching these bonds (30:10)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/.

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at

http://www.mission.org