Benefits of pet ownership
Countless studies conducted all over the world have showed that animals have a positive effect on people:
Social benefits for adults
- People are more likely to approach, smile at, talk to a person with a dog
- Pet owners perceived in more positive ways
- Owning dogs and cats prevent feelings of loneliness
- Dogs and cats can provide a social support after loss of family and friends
Social benefits of pet ownership for children
- Social development - pets may improve and increase interactions with people
- Teaches responsibility
- Helps build self-esteem
- Develops of empathy
Health benefits
Studies suggest that stress can reduce the ability of our immune system to prevent disease. It has also been shown that people with good support from family and friends are better able to cope with stress and have fewer health problems. Pets can help provide this support, too!
Dog owners tend to have better health than non pet owners – they’re more physically active, have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol- Proven reduction in blood pressure when stroking a pet
- Pet owners who have suffered a heart attack show improved survival one year later compared to non-pet owners
- Pets can reduce stress and anxiety
- Benefits of exercise - from playing and walking your dog!
- Children who own pets have been observed to miss fewer days of school through sickness
- Salivary immunogobulin levels (an indicator of immune function) more likely to be within normal range for pet owning children that non pet owners
- Children born to pet owning families are less at risk of developing asthma or allergies
