A romantic belief exists in our society that animals are well treated, and that, in fact, some pets are often better treated than children. Owning an animal is often taken to be proof of love and compassion.

But reality is much more complex, says Richard Timmins. Until we come to grips with it, it’s hardly possible to bring about meaningful change in the way we interact with pets and animals.

Timmins, as the new director of UC Davis’ Center for Animals in Society, will have a golden opportunity to create some meaningful change by developing practical programs focused on and inspired by the human-animal bond. He will work closely with faculty from several units. To educate people about what constitutes well-being for animals also is one of his priorities.

Established in 1985, the Center for Animals in Society has published research on animal behavior, pet loss, alternatives to the use of animals in teaching and research and the beneficial health effects of pets. That’s a perfect fit for Timmins, who has always been drawn to the animal kingdom.

“I had a childhood dream growing up in Iowa,” he says, “and that was to be a cowboy. And that meant I had to get a horse.”

That idyllic experience — his first horse, a landscape of farms rolling wide under bright Prairie skies — gave Timmins a youngster’s appreciation of animals and their environs, like how to look them in the eye, sense what they needed.

But Timmins still had some exploring to do, and he came to the veterinary field as a late bloomer. During the 1960s — before most people were even thinking about the important role pets play in people’s lives — Timmins moved to flower-power San Francisco, wrapped a tie around his neck and took a job with a non-’60s company — an insurance firm. It worked, for awhile.

But the natural world beckoned. And soon the former political science major was flipping through pages of amino acids and kinetic theory and quantum mechanics, taking science courses on his off hours so he could prepare to apply to veterinary school.

Initially, Timmins just wanted to be a horse doctor, but he switched to companion pets as his interest in cats, dogs and especially birds grew. “My heart was more with the animals that we live with each and every day,” he says.

Timmins is a 1977 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and, most recently, a Springfield, Ore., veterinarian. He helped develop the Veterinary Academic Affairs Program for IAMS pet food company and has spoken internationally on pet nutrition and health and veterinary practice management.

How does it feel to return to Davis?

The town has changed dramatically, but it still has that small town feel. We loved Oregon, but, my wife, Marcia Merryman — also a veterinarian — and I are glad to be here. My daughter, Tracy, an aspiring artist, recently moved to Oakland. Now we’re closer to her.

How can the world of veterinary medicine improve?

Empathy is one of the most important things that veterinarians and veterinarian students can learn about. We need to better cultivate the human-animal bond — by listening better, demonstrating sympathy for our human and animal clients, and developing a deep understanding and care for animals and their unique needs and wants.

Why is the human-animal bond important?

Animals can contribute to the health and well-being of many more people — not only psychologically, but also physically and socially. Also, those who are more bonded to their pets are more likely to retain their pets when conditions of ownership change.

What do you like most about your job?

Witnessing the human-animal bond. Our companion animals offer us security, succor, esteem, understanding, forgiveness, fun and laughter and, most importantly, abundant and unconditional love. They make no judgments, and we can be ourselves with them.

The least?

When I realize the lack of information or education among people about pets and animals. This is one reason for pet over-population and mistreatment. We tend to anthropomorphize our pets, and as a result think that what’s good for people is also good for pets. Of course, this isn’t true.

What other new projects do you have in mind?

We’re planning to expand the new Program for Veterinary Family Practice, and the center also will work with student organizations dedicated to outreach, animal rescue and services for underserved populations. Center faculty will share the practical applications of their research with veterinarians and consumers as well as veterinary students.

What’s something surprising about you?

I almost became a biological illustrator. I used to love to draw animals, and did this quite extensively. Some of my illustrations were featured in an equine dissection manual used in veterinary anatomy.

Any treasured possessions?

I’m an avid biker and have a foldable bike. I used to travel a lot and would take it with me. Also Marcia and I have kayaked and canoed far and wide, from Newfoundland to the Cayman Islands. We really like to get away from it all and spend time in the wilderness.

Who was a big influence on you?

John Muir, the 19th century wilderness preservationist. He was a large reason I came to California. He loved nature for what it was, and he wasn’t trying to change it. The Center for Animals in Society is similarly to understand the nature of the human-animal bond without making unnecessary judgments.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Pie. I love fruit pies like raspberry rhubarb.

Read any good books lately?

“The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World,” by Michael Pollan, who demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship. So who is really domesticating whom? •