ZNAČAJ ŽIVOTINJA ZA DJECU: IMPLIKACIJE ZA POMAGAČKE PROFESIJE

Abstract

The symbiotic nature of the animal-human relationship has been evident and constant throughout history, and research shows that it is not based on a simple relation of mutual benefit, but that these relationships can also include emotional and social components. People and animals have cooperated since ancient times. Animals were used as a means of transport, protection and communication, in hunting, in controlling rodent populations, for sports and entertainment, but also for socialisation. Today, animals are most commonly kept as companion animals. Companion animals are assigned great importance, especially in relation to children, because they help them learn about responsibility, empathy and respecting boundaries. While spending time with animals, children establish social interaction. Animals can be included in helping professions as part of animal-assisted interventions which include all the activities where the animal is used for helping or therapeutic purposes. This paper presents findings on the importance of companion animals among children, as well as on the possibilities of including animal-assisted interventions in working with children and youth.