Animals, Enrichment, and the Human-Animal Bond

Animals are living creatures with diverse needs and behaviors. Enrichment involves providing them with stimulating activities and environments—like toys, new experiences, or social interactions—that promote mental and physical well-being. The human-animal bond refers to the meaningful relationship formed when humans care for, interact with, and respond to animals, fostering mutual trust and emotional connection. Together, enrichment and this bond enhance animals’ quality of life, reduce stress, and support their natural behaviors, ultimately creating healthier, happier animals and more rewarding relationships for humans.