7 Tips and Tools to Nurture the Bond with Your Pets

November 8th is International Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Day. The day was established by the Human-Animal Bond Association (HABA), an organization that provides a platform for ideas to improve the human-animal bond. Pets provide a valuable form of emotional support, and it has been proven that interacting with pets can increase oxytocin levels, which promotes bonding, social connection, and trust, while also lowering the stress hormone cortisol. Bonding with our pets can take numerous forms. From playtime to grooming, A-Z Animals has compiled seven splendid ways to nurture the human-animal relationship.

Play

Fetch, one of the original human-animal bonding games, strengthens the relationship by providing exercise, mental stimulation, and a positive experience through play. The Chuckit! ball launcher can help keep even the most energetic pets entertained without taxing your throwing arm. The Chuckit!  ball launcher comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL), with ball diameters ranging from 2 to 3 inches. The launcher is available at numerous online retailers, including Chuck and Don’s, starting at $11.95.

Grooming

Grooming is a good way to bond with pets because this shared activity creates a sense of comfort and security for the animal, while also providing the guardian with an opportunity to show affection and care. The Catit Shorthair Grooming Kit is a set of five tools (nylon slicker brush, metal slicker brush, rubber palm brush, fine grooming comb, curved nail clipper) designed for the grooming needs of short-haired cats. The pieces are stored upright in a canister that protects the brushes and features a lid, which can be used to temporarily hold loose cat hair. The Catit Shorthair Grooming Kit, $43.99, is available in white, black, and gray.

Food

Food is a wonderful way for humans to bond with animals*, especially domestic pets, because feeding creates positive reinforcement and strengthens the human-animal bond, as animals tend to associate the person who feeds them with care and security. Providing your pets with the most healthful food available is important, as balanced nutrition supports stable energy levels and reduces anxiety. This leads to a happier, more content pet that is easier to bond with.

Grubblies, oven-dried black soldier fly grubs, are bursting with nutrition. Black soldier fly grubs are loaded with calcium, providing a significantly higher amount than mealworms and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that supports strong bones and eggshells. Grubblies are available from $8.10 – $17.99 per pound, depending on the quantity ordered.

*Feeding wild animals can present dangers to both animals and humans and is not recommended.

Supplements

Chronic discomfort can cause pets to become irritable and withdrawn. This makes bonding difficult, as the pet may lash out or become reclusive. Supplements that help reduce pain can make pets more comfortable, resulting in a happier companion and a stronger human-animal bond. Vet’s Best Aches + Pains tablets are a veterinarian-formulated, chewable supplement for dogs, designed to provide temporary relief from muscle and joint pain. For active dogs, senior dogs, or those recovering from minor injuries, these tablets address issues such as joint stiffness and muscle soreness associated with aging and physical activity.

Customer reviews for Vet’s Best Aches + Pains chewable tablets are overwhelmingly positive, with high ratings. Many customers report that the tablets help senior or injured dogs with aches and pains, and some users suggest they work better than veterinary-prescribed medication. Vet’s Best Aches + Pains chewable tablets are available at numerous retailers, where they are priced at $4.95 for 50 count, $9.89 for 100 count, and $10.48 for 150 count.

Subscription Boxes

Pet subscription boxes can be a great bonding tool, providing a consistent, shared experience. Opening the box together, exploring new toys, and using treats for training or puzzle-solving create positive, routine-based interactions that strengthen the bond between humans and pets. The Animal Rescue Site receives proceeds from a subscription service called Rescue Box, which provides a monthly delivery of five toys and treats for cats or dogs. Each Rescue Box purchase helps fund food and vaccines for shelter animals. Each Rescue Box contains five premium pet toys and provides food for 60 shelter animals. The Animal Rescue Site Rescue Boxes come in four sizes: cats, small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs, each priced at $34.99.

Books

Pet fostering has become more widespread, with a major surge in interest during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some of the initial pandemic-driven increase has leveled off, fostering continues to be a common practice. In her book, Fostering and the Human-Animal Bond: A Guide for Companion Animal Foster Care Providers and Shelters (2025),  Dr. Laura Reese provides practical advice and insights into the emotional well-being of both foster caregivers and animals, based on research in animal behavior. The book was written to help both new and experienced foster caregivers and covers topics such as self-care, stress management, and the human-animal bond. The book, Fostering and the Human-Animal Bond: A Guide for Companion Animal Foster Care Providers and Shelters, is $148.75 for a paperback copy or an ebook.

Time

Spending quality time with your pet is one of the best ways to strengthen the human-animal bond. Activities such as playing, grooming, feeding, training, cuddling, and simply being together build trust and deepen your emotional connection. Interacting with pets has also been shown to lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and increase the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. The unconditional love a pet offers, and the act of caring for them, can provide a sense of purpose and routine. Spending time with your pet is priceless.