properly, physical contact is a great way to build your bond. animals have different favorite spots, so learn where your pet likes to be rubbed or scratched. for example, if you have a dog, try scratching its ears and rubbing its belly to show it how much you care.
while people show affection by hugging, most cats and dogs don’t like to be hugged. for rabbits, rodents, and other small furry friends, be sure to use a gentle touch. note that rabbits get stressed out when they’re over-handled.
tip: before you touch your cat or dog, hold your hand near its nose and let it give you a sniff to avoid startling 