The Benefits of Pet Ownership

The Benefits of Pet Ownership – With almost no effort at all, pets manage to worm there way into our lives bringing so much joy. They make us laugh, comfort us when we are sick or upset, and are always there for us no questions asked. It’s no wonder that greater than 62% of Australian households choose to keep a pet, with 2 in 5 of those owning a dog.  

Not everyone understands the bond between human and animal, or even realises how much pets do for their owners. We need to educate these people, so lets take a look at some of the great benefits that pet ownership can bring. 

Pets Ownership makes sure that you’re never lonely 

If you live by yourself, or your partner works different shifts, or maybe they work FIFO, it can get awfully lonely at home – unless you have a pet, of course! Pets make great companions – they’ll always be waiting for you to come home and they’ll be happy to lend an ear should you want to talk through your problems.

Modern life is stressful, it sometimes feels like we need to escape. High levels of anxiety are not uncommon amoungst today’s population. They can lead to numerous health problems, if we can’t find a way to remove ourselves or at least our minds from these day to day struggles. The bond between a person and their pet can help to lower stress levels and a pet can purely bring their owner great amounts of happiness.  Pets can help us to relax after a tough day and help to ward off feelings of depression and loneliness and provide a sense of purpose. Plus, most of the time, they’re up for a snuggle, and most important of all they offer you unconditional love. 

There are many clinical psychological and physical conditions where pets are encouraged as a means of making a person feel at ease and improving their health outlook. Children with autism and similar learning disorders often find it difficult talking to fellow human beings. They may feel confronted by social situations, without the tools to communicate or navigate these fast paced situations, but they have no problem at all with chatting away to a friendly animal. It helps, after all, that your pets don’t make judgements and will always keep your deepest secrets! 

A pet can make you feel safe and secure  

Not everyone likes being home alone, especially at night, but having a cat or dog there, can make you feel a lot safer. Burglars are less likely to target a house that’s clearly home to a dog. Some breeds make excellent guard dogs.  You can also have an added level of security when out and about, walking or running with your dog by your side. 

A dog will keep you fit 

All breeds of dog need regular exercise, and daily walks are the perfect solution.  Sometimes we can all have the tendency to get a bit lazy – if that sounds like you, a dog is the perfect cure! They’ll be dragging you out the front door and making you run around the park each and every day. A dog is possibly the best personal trainer you could ask for. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.  So it’s a win- win for you and your pet.  

A dog can help you to be social 

With a dogs need for exercise, you will have an increase in opportunities to get out and about. The pet owner community is an incredibly friendly one – you’ll often find that people will stop to talk to you about your dog in the park. Having a dog is a great way to meet new people and create bonds quickly, especially if you’re not too good at small talk. You never know, owning a dog may help you meet the love of your life! 

A pet can teach kids responsibility 

Kids love animals and spend a good deal of time nagging Mum and Dad for a puppy, kitten or even a pony. If they’re old enough, having one as a pet can actually teach them a lot of important skills. Not only will they learn the practical skills required to own a pet, such as feeding, cleaning out the cage, grooming and teaching tricks; they’ll also develop their nurturing and empathy skills, which are vital in later life. 

Looking after a pet is a big responsibility, but when you consider all the benefits of pet ownership, surely it makes all that hard work worthwhile. Whether you choose to keep a cat, dog, bird or small animal they’ll make a great companion and enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.