Why own a pet?
Pets of any shape or size can be the perfect companion for us, and not just in terms of companionship. Pets bring a wealth of benefits to any home and everybody here at Animal Friends adores animals, and plenty of us are pet owners so today we’re giving you the reasons why owning a pet is a fantastic choice for you and your family.
So what are the benefits?
Good health is a proven benefit of owning a pet. With a pet that requires physical activity, such as a dog, the exercise benefits will be seen plainly, and are often the most advertised. Watch your waistline as you walk or run with your pet, and see the difference as the weeks go by. What about a rabbit or lizard though? These pets have no obvious health attachments, as their exercise requirements can be fulfilled without you needing to partake. Owning a pet in general is proven to decrease blood pressure, stop feelings of loneliness, combat depression and comfort the pain of losing a family member or friend.
Pets will give you unconditional love. Dogs are often pictured as animals of blind obedience, but all pets, when treated correctly, have that special bond with their owner that is forged through trust, love and time. Your pet will always be there for you when other people cannot, and will remain loyal no matter what happens to you.
Pets can act as a fantastic way to meet new people. Interesting or particularly friendly pets can help you make new friends, and also give you something interesting to talk about, especially if that person has a similar interest, and even if they don’t, your latest tale on the antics of your pet can generate curiosity from friend and stranger alike.
You animal friend will be a constant companion for you. Whether it’s an early morning walk, or feeding time in the afternoon, the routine you fall into with your pets becomes a way of life for you. Spending time with your pet each day will mean this routine becomes a solid part of your bonding time, and even if the pet is as low maintenance as a bowl of fish, or as tough to provide and care for as a horse, you know that the time is well spent with your companion.
If you’re planning on becoming a parent, or are unsure on whether you’d make a good parent, a pet can be the answer to your questions. Cleaning up after, house training and feeding a pet are all basic requirements that need you to be in tune with your pet, and these skills can only aid you if you do decide on parenthood. A good way to test this is to adopt a rescue dog and see how well you do – the results may surprise even the most sceptical of people.
Many pets can increase your sense of personal, private and psychological security. A pet in the home that can alert you to intruders or danger will allow you a certain sense of comfort when sleeping or alone, especially at night, which can help with nervousness or paranoia.
If you have children, getting a pet can be a brilliant way to teach them about responsibility and discipline, as well as playing nicely, sharing time (and toys), but also if the pet is solely their responsibility then they will also learn how to pay for and look after the animal using their pocket money/allowance, teaching them budgeting and the value of money, as well as how to care for something that is completely reliant on them.
Of the countless reasons to own a pet, learning to share love, provide affection, and give attention to a pet are three qualities that enhance the personal quality of human life. Owning a pet changes your life completely and makes you a better person overall. Don’t believe us? Ask any pet owner about the satisfaction of owning a pet, and then ask whether they’d do it all again.
Animal Friends is committed to ethical care for animals over the world, so please only buy or adopt pets from trusted, reputable sources, and only adopt if you are able to provide proper care for the animal(s). We provide comprehensive, quality pet insurance for dogs, cats and horses; to find out more email us at info@animalfriends.co.uk or visit us on Facebook by following the link below.
