The Power of the Human-Animal Bond at Work: A Comprehensive Review of Pet-Friendly Initiatives and Animal-Assisted Therapy on Employee Mental Health

Author(s)	Ms. Shruthi Sasidharan, Dr. Monalisa Nayak
Country	India
Abstract	Amidst a global crisis of workplace stress and burnout, this review investigates the role of human-animal bond through the means of pet-friendly policies and animal-assisted therapy in supporting employee mental health. The integration of evidence from different sectors and theoretical perspectives, reveals that human-animal interactions reliably decrease physiological stress, enhance emotional wellness, and cultivate social bonds and engagement. The findings not only position these initiatives as a perk, but also as strategic evidence-informed resource that can cushion out job demands and humanize the work environment. Although mindful implementation is required, integration of the human-animal bond offers a promising path toward building more resilient and thriving workplaces.
Keywords	Human-Animal Bond, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), Pet-Friendly Policies, Employee Mental Health, Organizational Engagement
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-11
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.66173

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research