Why our animal relationships can be as important as human ones

A dog. A horse. A cat.

A bollard-bashing elephant seal. An adorable pygmy hippo. A short-spined raccoon.

All creatures — whether you know them in real life or online — can be man's best friend.

And for all the beauty that relationship can bring, it's not without its downsides or risks.

So how can you invite animals into your life in a way that is beneficial for you, and them?