Maintaining the Human-Animal Bond: An Argument for Practicing Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Cases of Animal Maltreatment

Date of Award

Summer 8-22-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Lavita Nadkarni

Second Advisor

Laura Meyer

Third Advisor

Sonja Holt

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Human-animal bond, Animal maltreatment, Human-animal attachment, Reintegration

Abstract

American families increasingly consider companion animals to be family members. As human–animal relationships have evolved, legislation aimed at protecting companion animals has expanded. In cases of animal maltreatment, legal and clinical systems are entrusted with determining an appropriate response. This paper argues for prioritizing attachment healing and reunification when clinically appropriate, rather than default removal of a companion animal. Drawing upon the child welfare system’s emphasis on reunification and family preservation, a parallel framework for responding to animal maltreatment is proposed. A literature review on human–animal bonds, animal maltreatment, and legislation informs recommendations that emphasize safety while preserving attachment.

Copyright Date

6-22-2026

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Georgia Gardner

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

37 pgs

File Size

517 KB

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