Research supports the idea that the companionship of a pet is good for a person's health
Studies have shown that Pet Owners:
- Visit their GP less often than non-pet owners and use less medication
- Have, on average, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels
- Recover more quickly from surgery and illness
- Deal better with stressful situations
- Are less likely to feel lonely
- Have social support and comfort, and have higher self-esteem.
There are psychological benefits also. The evidence shows:
- school children are more popular if they are pet owners
- children with pets have higher self esteem and a more positive outlook on life
- pet owners report less depression and seem to cope better with grief,stress and loss
- pets enhance social connectedness and conversation
- pets are great care givers and keep us company when we are sick
- pets make us feel safer when we are home alone