The Benefits of Pet Ownership

Whether you are a pet owner or are considering becoming a pet owner, pet ownership is definitely an entertaining adventure with many benefits.

The 1st thing that comes to mind is companionship, which probably explains the spike in pet adoptions during the current Covid-19 induced quarantine.

Pets Can Improve Your Mood

Having a furry friend to pet, hold, talk to, & cuddle does wonders for your stress level, especially during a pandemic when nothing seems normal anymore. Studies have shown that spending time with your pet can trigger an increased oxytocin level, also known as the “love hormone.” This is responsible for the feeling of closeness and increased bonding with your pet. It can also increase your overall mood.

Pets Can Improve Your Social Life

Your pet can be a great conversational piece. At the same time, walking your pet or holding your pet when on a video chat.

Dogs are naturally curious about the sights, sounds, & smells around them. Often, I will have strangers approach me on a dog walk to strike a conversation about my dog or pet him. Other pets like cats can increase your social circle, as well.

Pets Provide Unconditional Love

If you live alone & don’t have a mate, pets can be a great way of finding love. In fact, according to a survey by Purina, 54 percent of surveyed pet owners said their pets helped them start a conversation with someone they were interested in. Nearly two-thirds of people said they were likely to date someone who owned a pet, and one in three would want to meet someone who has pictures of their pet in their online dating profile. Lastly, pets themselves can provide you with so much love while asking nothing in return.

Pets Make Couples Happier and Less Stressed

According to research cited by Psychology Today, couples who own a pet together have lower blood pressure and are happier on average than their peers. They also interact more with each other than couples who don’t own a pet. They also make great emotional support animals.

Pets are Great for Teaching Children Responsibility

There is a lot of responsibility for pet ownership. Having a pet is a great way to teach children how to care for a pet’s needs such as feeding, watering, walking, bathing & waste disposal duties. If you are considering surprising your children with a pet this holiday season, please read these 2 articles for guidance. 20 best dogs for kids & families to adopt and cat breeds that get along with dogs.

Pets Have Therapeutic Value

Pets have been used for therapy in hospitals, retirement communities & nursing homes with unbelievable results. Most patients’ eyes just “light up” when they see a dog or cat introduced to them. The result is improved mood & health.

Pets Provide a Sense of Security

Owners of larger dog breeds all agree they feel safer & more secure having a loyal companion at home to mind the store when they are sleeping or away from home.

Pets are great Snuggle Buddies & Bed Hogs.

Pets can keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. In fact, if you ever heard the saying it was a “3 dog night”, it refers to how many dogs it took mountaineers to snuggle to keep warm through the night. Snuggling your pet can give you a sense of peace & comfort. In my case, snuggling with my dogs start well & end up with them, hogging the bed space.

Pets Are Great Motivators for Exercise

Pets are perfect for keeping in shape. You can take your pet for a walk or take your dog to the doggie park to play frisbee or ball. I had a cat that would follow me around the block while I walked my dog as a kid. My neighbors used to laugh at us & would love to stop us from asking if the cat was walking us, or were we walking the cat. I get all my pet supplies like leashes, collars, frisbees, & fetching balls from Chewy.com because of the free shipping offered.