Intro
Acknowledgments
Contents
About the Authors
Abbreviations
Well-Being over the Life Course: Incorporating Human-Animal Interaction
Human-Animal Interaction
Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and Well-Being
Dimensions of Well-Being over the Life Course
Pets as Family Members
Health over the Life Course and Human-Animal Interaction
Well-Being and Animal-Assisted Interventions
Conclusion
References
Integrating Pets into the Family Life Cycle
Family Life Cycle
Pets as Family Members
Young Adults and Childless Couples
Families with Children

Empty Nests and Aging Families
Family Well-Being and Pets
Conclusion
References
Companion Animal Caregiving and Well-Being
Benefits of Companion Animals
Family Caregiving and Stress
Caregiver Burden
Companion Animal Illness and Loss
Bereavement
Continuing Bonds
Conclusion
References
Health over the Life Course and Human-Animal Interaction
Human-Animal Interaction and Health
Child Health and Well-Being
Adult Health and Well-Being and HAI
Research Gaps
Panel Study of Income Dynamics, Child Development Supplement (PSID CDS)

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort 2011 (ECLS-K:2011)
General Social Survey (GSS)
Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
Conclusion
References
Human-Animal Interaction and Child Health and Development
Pets in the Developmental System
Social-Emotional Development
Cognition
Physical Health
Potential Risks and Challenges
Research Issues and Challenges
Conclusions
References
Successful Aging and Human-Animal Interaction
Pet Ownership and Older Adults
Physical Health and Exercise
Mental Health
Loneliness

Interacting with Companion Animals
Physical Health and Exercise
Mental Health
Loneliness
Conclusion and Next Steps
References
Animal-Assisted Interactions Designed to Improve Human Wellbeing Across the Life Course
AAI and Preschoolers
AAI and Primary School Age Children
AAI and Reading/Cognition
AAI and Social Behavior Deficits
AAI and Psychotherapy for Children
AAI and Trauma Counseling for Children
AAI and Young Adults
AAI and Special Populations of Children
AAI and Special Populations of Adults
AAI and the US Military Personnel

Equine AAI and Abused Adult Women
AAI and Older Adults
AAI in Acute Care Hospital Settings
Conclusion
References
Conclusion
Social Capital
Cultural Considerations
The Needs of the Animal
Understanding Pet Ownership
Establishing the Evidence Base
References