The human and animal relationship: 5 fascinating examples, plus the quotes that sum it up

People and animals have shared their lives for tens of thousands of years. We've hunted together, farmed together and, for many of us, we now share our sofas. But the human and animal relationship isn't one single thing. It ranges from close companionship to working partnerships, and from wildlife we barely notice to animals that rely on us completely.

In this guide, we look at what the relationship between humans and animals is called, the different forms it takes and some real examples. We've also gathered a few of our favourite quotes, and we'll show you how a fascination with animals can grow into a career.
 

What is the human and animal relationship called?

There isn't one official name. You'll often see it called the human-animal relationship, and when it's close and two-way, it's usually described as a bond. We explore that side of things in our guide to animal and human bonding.

So, what is the human and animal relationship called in science? Biologists use the word symbiosis to describe any close, long-term relationship between two different species. They then split it into three main types:
 

• Mutualism, where both species benefit
• Commensalism, where one species benefits and the other isn't really affected
• Parasitism, where one species benefits at the other's expense

The study of how people and animals interact even has its own name: anthrozoology. In the UK, the Society for Companion Animal Studies has promoted the study of human and companion animal interactions since 1979.
 

Is there a human symbiotic relationship with animals?

Yes, and our relationship with dogs is the best-known example. According to the Natural History Museum, dogs are the earliest domesticated species, and the process began around 30,000 years ago when a now-extinct population of grey wolves started living alongside people. The museum notes the exact timing is still being researched.

One popular theory is that wolves more or less domesticated themselves by scavenging near human camps. Either way, the museum describes the partnership as a symbiotic relationship that brought benefits to both sides. People gained help with hunting and protection, and wolves gained food.

Not every human symbiotic relationship with animals is as cosy. House mice and pigeons thrive on the food we drop and the buildings we put up, which is closer to commensalism. Fleas and ticks are a clear case of parasitism, and they're one reason good animal care includes regular parasite control.
 

Types of relationship between humans and animals

Outside the science, the relationship between humans and animals usually falls into a few broad types. Most animals in our lives fit at least one of them.

Companionship. This is the relationship most of us know best. The PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report 2026 estimates there are around 10.2 million pet dogs and 11.3 million pet cats in the UK.

Working partnerships. Animals have worked alongside people for centuries, on farms, in transport and in security. Today, dogs work with the police and support disabled people as assistance dogs. Our guide on how to train your dog to become a service animal covers some of these roles.

Food and farming. Livestock farming is one of the oldest relationships we have with animals, and it comes with a heavy responsibility for their welfare.
Wildlife. Many of our relationships with animals happen at a distance, from garden birds to the conservation of endangered species.

Support and wellbeing. Animals are increasingly involved in supporting people's wellbeing in care homes, schools and hospitals. This field is known as animal assisted intervention, and it's where a lot of people who love animals find meaningful work.

Human-animal relationship examples

Here are some human-animal relationship examples that show just how varied the partnership can be.

Dogs and people. As we've seen, it's the oldest partnership of all, and dogs are now trained for jobs from herding sheep to detecting scents.

Honeyguide birds and honey hunters. This is one of the most remarkable human-animal relationship examples. Research led by the University of Cambridge found that wild honeyguide birds in Mozambique respond to a special call used by Yao honey hunters. When the hunters used the call, the chance of being shown a bees' nest rose from 16% to 54%. The people get the honey and the birds eat the wax that's left behind, so both sides benefit.

Horses and riders. For centuries, horses carried people, pulled ploughs and moved goods. Today the relationship is mostly about sport, leisure and companionship.

Assistance dogs and their owners. Guide dogs and other assistance dogs give disabled people more independence. In return, they get daily care, training and a close bond with their owner.

Bees and beekeepers. Beekeepers provide hives and care, and get honey and pollination for crops in return.

How the relationship has changed

The biggest shift over the last century has been in how we see animals. They've gone from being viewed mainly as working tools or property to being recognised as feeling beings with welfare needs of their own.

UK law reflects this. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 formally recognises that animals are sentient beings. It also requires government ministers to have due regard to animal welfare when they make policy.

That change has created more jobs that put animal welfare first, from welfare officers and rehabilitation work to roles where animals and people work together to support wellbeing.

Human and animal relationship quotes

Writers and thinkers have been trying to put the human and animal relationship into words for centuries. These are a few of our favourite human and animal relationship quotes, each taken from the original work.
 

Turn your interest into a career

If the human and animal relationship fascinates you, there are plenty of ways to make it part of your working life. One of the most rewarding is helping animals support people's health and wellbeing.

The Level 3 Diploma in Animal Assisted Intervention is an Ofqual regulated qualification that you study online and at your own pace, with tutor support. It covers the theory and history of the field, your legal duties, how to pair the right animal with the right person, and how to carry out canine sessions. There's also a two-day practical with a dog, which you arrange yourself.

It's worth being clear that this is a qualification in animal assisted intervention, not a therapy qualification. It won't make you a therapist, but it will give you the knowledge to plan and deliver sessions safely and responsibly. If you'd like to know what the work involves, read our guide to animal assisted therapy jobs.

While you study, you'll get access to the learndirect: Community Hub app, a space just for learners and alumni of the learndirect Digital Group. You can join discussion groups, ask questions in the forums and connect with others who share your love of animals.

Ready to find out more?

Visit the Level 3 Diploma in Animal Assisted Intervention course page for full details, including fees and payment options. You can also call our course advisors on 01202 006 040 or send us an enquiry.