Characterization of human-animal interactions among pet owners in Mexico from a One Health perspective: A cross-sectional study

-values adjusted by Bonferroni and Holm's methods, and effect size was estimated with Cramér's V. Adjusted Pearson residuals were used as a complementary analytical tool. A multinomial logistic regression model was also performed, with mouth-to-snout/tongue contact intensity as the dependent variable. A total of 3699 complete surveys were analyzed. The households reported that pets slept in the owner's bed (34.6%), that owners did not wash their hands after direct contact (37%), the face kissing (mouth-to-snout/tongue) was allowed (74.7%), that feces and urine were noticed inside the house (61.2%), and that pets were taken to potentially contaminated public areas (77.7%). Younger age, a higher number of dogs, frequent visits to public places, poor hand hygiene after direct contact, and allowing pets to sleep indoors were associated with increased intensity of mouth-to-snout/tongue contact. Close human-pet interactions require responsible expressions of affection that prioritize both animal welfare and public health. From a One Health perspective, understanding household behaviors is crucial for identifying risky practices that could lead to zoonotic transmission.