Are you considering getting a pet? Wondering what the benefits of pet ownership might be? Well, I’ve got good news, as long as you take care of your pet, and make a considered decision about what is best for you, the benefits of pet ownership are huge!
1 Increase your Physical Activity
Obviously this is not the case if you get a canary, but if you adopt a dog, it will need walking and that will benefit both you and fido.
2 Increase Your Social Interaction
Getting a dog and walking it can have the flow on effect of increasing your social interactions if you walk in a public park, or join a dog obedience group.
3 Companionship
Your pet will give you loyalty and affection which may be lacking in other areas of your life. Companion animals, such as cats, are beneficial for the elderly who have lost a partner. Dogs know how to be present.
They will sit and be patted, being a loving presence. This can be incredibly comforting for someone who is grieving or who is depressed. Does it matter if you talk to you pet? Not at all! The company of a pet is unconditional and constant.
4 Teach Your Child Responsibility
By having a dependent animal in your home, you can create opportunities for your kids to learn responsibility. Feeding a pet lizard, cleaning out a fish tank, walking a dog, grooming a rabbit or collecting a chicken’s eggs can form part of your child’s daily routine and responsibilities.
5 Increase your Wellbeing
The benefits of pet ownership extend to increasing a sense of wellbeing in their owners. Having ‘someone’ to come home to makes the house feel less empty for those who live alone. The comfort of a cat sleeping on your lap or the end of your bed can be as good as a weighted blanket. A dog that gives you a reason to go outside and get some fresh air contributes to your physical and emotional wellbeing. Having a pet to look after gives you a purpose and reason to get up in the morning. It’s all good stuff!
The one thing to take note of is that some pets are not a good match for your particular circumstances. If your child has allergies, long haired animals may not be a good choice for you. If your living space is small, consider a smaller animal. Teach your children to read the signs of a stressed or tired dog so there is less risk of dog bite. However, when a pet is chosen wisely, the benefits of pet ownership are huge!
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
