Some people argue that keeping pets is detrimental to human and animal health. However, there is no risk in owning a pet so long as the proper measures are taken and the pets are correctly handled. In short, the pros outweigh the cons in owning and living with pets.

Some of the reasons people own pets these days are highlighted below:

Pets improve our moods

It has been proven through research studies that pets play a crucial role in improving our moods. Pet owners are at lesser risk of suffering from depression than people who don’t own pets at all.

Pets make us more responsible for others

Owning pets helps us build a sense of responsibility. Since taking care of a pet requires some degree of attention, it will help the owners to be responsible in other areas of th eir lives. This is good for children during their character development phase.

Pets help us relieve stress and boost immunity

Imagine coming home from work after a particularly stressful day and meeting your dog at home, who immediately jump s at you and l icks you. It takes your mind off your troubles, relieving you in the process. Research has shown that in these situations, levels of serotonin and dopamine (hormonal secretions in the brain that make us feel good and happy) rise, reducing stress and anxiet y .

Studies have also shown that pet owners have a more robust immune system than those who don’t own pets. Heart attack patients, for example, experience fewer crisis episodes when they have pets, while those who don’t have pets experience more attacks.

Pets are a source of entertainment

Pets usually have specific habits and react to funny conditions if you observe them. Bursting into heartfelt laughter at your pet’s behavior helps to kill boredom and provide a nice break in the monotonous nature of eve ryday life.

Pets provide security

Some pets, like dogs, can provide security to the house in cases where the owners are not at home or can alert owners to issues when they are present. This security could prevent the apartment from being robbed. Dogs are also very loyal to their owners and would do anything to protect them, depending on their bond.

Pets make us less self-centered

Pets help us develop bonds with others and make us more sensitive to other people’s needs and challenges. This is especially n oticed in children. Since pets can not communicate as we do, they rely on their vocalizations and non-verbal abilities to communicate. Due to this, pet owners tend to understand non-verbal communication better than those who aren ’ t exposed daily.

Pets improve our social interactions

Studies have shown that when you are seen with your pet, people tend to interact with you more than they would have if your pet weren ’ t present. Sometimes, they stop to discuss some idle topic with you, say the weather or even an attribute of your pet they find amusing. This, in turn, fosters togetherness among neighbors.

Pets as an aid for the disabled

Some animals can be trained to support people with specific disabilities. For example, specialists can train dogs to g uide blind people or alert deaf people to sounds like a doorbell ring. Cats have been known to alert owners to medical conditions before a diagnosis takes place.

Pets encourage exercise

Owning a pet like a dog could encourage you to take walks, as the dog will need to walk regularly. In the long run, it will be better for the owners, as they will stay fit and healthy from taking regular walks.

While taking care of pets demands time and attention, owning a pet has its perks for the owner and the pet.