The Many Benefits of Owning a Pet

Pets are good for children, families, older adults and those who live along.

Benefits for Children and Families

When I was a little boy growing up in the Bronx, I remember a woman in the apartment building who owned a dog. I always enjoyed petting that dog and felt heartbroken when she reported it had died. Then, one of my uncles bought a boxer who loved to play. My uncle and I went on long walks with his dog, which was always fun. When I asked my mother if I could have a dog, she said a very clear "no." Mom knew I would never walk the dog. As I vaguely remember, there were other reasons, but my memories of those have long faded.

Other catalysts sparked my desire for a dog. There were the children's novels about Lassie. In addition, there were movies in which Lassie was the hero. Finally, there was the weekly television show with Lassie as the hero.

When I met my wife, she and I started on our long journey of adopting dogs and cats. With Pat's help, my dreams were fulfilled.

Our children reaped the benefits of pet ownership. We had dogs, tropical fish, ducks, chickens, gerbils and more. Both married today are the proud owners of dogs, cats, and tropical fish.

One of the most profound benefits of pet ownership for children is the development of responsibility and empathy. Caring for a pet requires children to take on daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, and exercising the animal. This responsibility fosters a sense of accountability and helps children learn the importance of fulfilling their duties. Furthermore, by caring for a pet, children develop empathy and compassion. Understanding and attending to an animal's needs helps children recognize the value of nurturing and caring for others. These skills are crucial in personal development and social relationships.

While it is good for children to care for pets, many parents find it difficult. Here are a few tips to get your children involved in pet care:

1. Start small: Assign age-appropriate minor tasks, such as filling the water bowl or feeding the pet. As your child grows, you can accumulate their responsibilities.

2. Make it fun: Turn pet care into a game or a fun activity. For example, you could challenge your child to see who can walk the dog the fastest or groom the cat the most effectively.

3. Offer praise and rewards: Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. Praise your child for a job well done or offer a small reward for completing pet care tasks.

4. Set a schedule: Establish a consistent schedule for pet care tasks so your child knows what is expected. This can help make pet care a regular part of their routine.

5. Lead by example: Children often learn by example, so be sure to model responsible pet care yourself. Let your child see you engaging in pet care tasks and explain why it's important.

Additionally, studies have shown that children who grow up with pets may have a lower risk of developing certain allergies and asthma thanks to early exposure to certain pet-related allergens and bacteria.

Besides fostering social skills, pets help in developing children's emotional intelligence. Interacting with pets requires children to interpret non-verbal cues and respond appropriately, which can enhance their ability to understand and empathize with the emotions of others. This skill is invaluable in building and maintaining healthy relationships throughout life.

Mental Health Benefits for Everyone

Pets have long been recognized as companions that bring joy and companionship into our lives and significantly enhance our mental health. The benefits of pet ownership extend well beyond the simple joys of companionship; they profoundly improve our psychological well-being, offer comfort, and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

They contribute to mental health through physical activity. Taking a dog for a walk, playing fetch, or engaging in other exercises benefits the pet and the owner. Physical activity improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers and mood lifters. Therefore, the responsibility of caring for a pet can encourage a more active lifestyle, which is beneficial for mental health.

Pets can also provide emotional support during difficult times, acting as a source of comfort and stability. Many people confide in their pets, sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussion. This emotional release can be therapeutic, helping individuals to process their emotions and cope with challenges. Moreover, the dependability of a pet's affection can provide a stable source of support and reassurance, particularly valuable during emotional distress.

Relieving Loneliness and Isolation

Owning a pet can significantly improve the lives of those who feel lonely and isolated, offering companionship that eases feelings of solitude. I have always said that owning a dog creates social interaction. It is simply impossible to walk a dog without neighbors stopping to pet the dog and engaging in chatting.

The presence of a pet in one's life brings many psychological benefits, particularly for individuals who may lack social interaction. Pets, with their unconditional love and acceptance, provide a constant source of comfort and companionship. This bond can be especially therapeutic, as it offers a sense of belonging and acceptance without the fear of judgment.

Caring for a pet, such as feeding, grooming, and exercising, establishes a daily routine that can impart a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I can report the truth of that statement. This routine helps structure one's day and encourages engagement with the outside world, whether walking in the park or visiting the vet. Such activities foster social interactions and connections, reducing feelings of isolation.

Research has shown various physical health benefits for those who own dogs and cats. Among these are lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. These benefits are probably because of the more active lifestyle that comes with pet ownership. 

I can report that for myself as well as others, pet ownership is stress-relieving. When I'm upset about something, stroking my little dog, Nikki, is soothing for both of us. She also knows or senses if I'm worried or anxious about something and comes to me to offer reassurance. I find it to be quite remarkable.

Besides these benefits, pets can offer security to those living alone. I live alone, except for Nikki, and she lets me know if someone is at the door, whether neighbor, family, delivery person or someone unknown. For me, it's very reassuring.

My advice is that if you do not have allergies or if you do and your MD can provide you with anti-allergy medication, own a pet. It's fun.