ASPECTS OF THE HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE’ STUDENTS: CASE STUDIES

References: 17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2017, www.sgemviennagreen.org, SGEM2017 Vienna GREEN Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7408-29-4 / ISSN 1314-2704, 27 - 29 November, 2017, Vol. 17, Issue 63, 1129-1136 pp; DOI: 10.5593/sgem2017H/63/S30.140

ABSTRACT

The relationship with pet has been for many years in the attention of researchers, with studies which approached the relationship under very different aspects. Researches has focused on the multiple benefits of different stages of individual development (from kindergarten to elders), on gender influences over many related issues (animal attachment, involvement in animal welfare activities), on the therapeutic aspects (positive influences on cancer patients, depression, etc.) and, last but not least, the positive consequences on the detainees. Starting from studies that support the growing importance of human-animal relationship in people’s lives, and the importance of developing a close relationship between the veterinarian and the animal they work with, we have tracked the effects of the relationship with the pet on adapting to student life. There are presented experiences as a student attending courses alongside the pet, three students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. By analysing the obtained results, the study seeks to encourage the human –animal relationship and interaction, especially among students and not only from Veterinary Medicine.

Keywords: human-animal relationship, university students, Veterinary Medicine, career