Those of us who have pets are aware of the close bond that can be developed between animal and human.  How close and important that relationship can be becomes obvious when we become aware of what happens in disasters when people risk their lives to save their pets.  Emergency responders are commonly faced with those who will remain in disaster zones if told that their pets cannot accompany them to safety.

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More and more States are recognizing the need for modern legislation that recognizes the importance of the position pets hold in the family structure.  Pets may be property in some sense but may also be considered in custody and visiting arrangements, even financial responsibilities. The pet depends upon the humans but it is clear that the human dependance on a relationship with the pet is often a significant part of their life.  

Social interactions with other people is often achieved by the catalyst of dog walking, achieving meetings that otherwise would not happen.  Depressed or lonely individuals who would not be inclined to engage in physical activities are prompted to tend to the duties of responsibly caring for their animals and will engage in regular walking.  Elderly persons may be particularly vulnerable to loss of a pet when other family members may not be as accessible as they once were. 

Dogs are increasingly utilized by professionals treating social disorders in both adults and children.  There are very successful programs in which children read books to dogs who are trained to interact with them.  Some of these children have difficulty interacting with other people yet engaged readily with a dog.​ Dogs visiting nursing homes have had a proven benefit to residents who look forward to visiting with the dogs while sharing stories about some of the pets they have shared their lives with.  There are many accounts of persons who rarely communicate with other people being observed readily communicating with a visiting dog. 

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Dog, as well as other animals, depend on the relationship with their people.  Animals, like most people, are comfortable with a consistent schedule and  predictable activities.  Disruption in established routines, locations and disruptive changes in family structure can cause a high degree of anxiety in dogs since they commonly share the home environment, in its entirely, with the other family members.  

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Dogs and some other animals may become dependent on their relationship with other animals in the household.  When animals are raised together, the bonded relationship can be quite pronounced.  When bonded individuals are separated, even to go for a walk or vet visit, there can be a noticeably high stress level which can include pacing, whining, barking or frustration related chewing.  The death or permanent removal, particularly of the more dominant individual, can be problematic for another with a less confident, more dependent temperament.   While not all dogs and cats enjoy friendly relationships there are bonds that exist between certain individuals that are significant.  The loss of a pet may cause stress to the humans involved, but the loss can be particularly difficult for other pets who shared a close relationship with a friend who is no longer there.

Littermate Syndrome is a well recognized issue when puppies from the same litter remain together into adulthood.  Simply defined, the dominant personality thinks for all the others.  When the leader is not present confusion and stress related behaviors are common.  The issue can be just as pronounced when puppies from unrelated litters are raised together.  Having several dogs at the same time is normally not an issue as long as puppies are acquired one at a time and an effort is made to bond the puppy with humans during his early development.  When dogs are raised by other dogs humans can lose an important part of the relationship they otherwise would have had.