The Benefits of Keeping Pets and Their People Together
While the benefit to the pet staying with his/her family is obvious:
- 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter overcrowded shelters each year
- Up to 5 million more are abandoned
- Shelters are a last stop for about 50% of the animals that end up there; 50% are reclaimed or adopted, the rest are euthanized.
The benefit to the pet owner is one-hundred fold:
A pet is a medication without side effects that has so many benefits. I can't always explain it myself, but for years now I've seen how instances of having a pet is like an effective drug. It really does help people.” Dr. Edward Creagan - Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Benefits to Everyone
- Pets are our best friends, surrogate children, and family members
- Pets provide comfort, unconditional love, companionship, affection and entertainment
- People with pets are less likely to suffer from depression and loneliness
- Pet owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides
- Having a pet provides increased opportunities for exercise, activities and socializing
Benefits to Children
- Children raised with pets have dramatically improved immunity and less risk of allergies
- Studies have shown that pets can help calm hyperactive and aggressive kids
- Pets provide a sense of security to kids, and decrease separation anxiety
- Kids with autism are better able to interact with pets than people, as they rely on non-verbal cues, just as pets do
- Playing with a pet can be an antidote for stress and frustration caused by a learning disability.
Benefits to the Elderly
- Likelihood of being diagnosed as clinically depressed is four times lower than that of non pet owners
- Less likely to be lonely or have feelings of isolation
- Less fear of becoming a victim of crime
- The feeling of being needed, and something to care for, the reason for getting up in the morning and for living
- Fewer trips to the doctor and fewer minor health problems