Benefits in Older Adults

One study of older men and women found that owning a cat or dog helped maintain or even slightly enhance their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score. This scale included questions about being able to do activities like walking several blocks, getting in and out of bed, preparing meals, bathing and dressing, and preparing food. Though this study found no direct link between psychological well-being and pet ownership, people in this survey who owned pets and had lower social support in a crisis situation were less likely to experience a decline in psychological well-being when compared to those with lower social support who did not have pets.

The Heart Health Benefits of Pets

Studies have shown that those who own pets may have significantly lower systolic blood pressure, triglyceride values, and cholesterol levels than those who do not own pets.

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that male dog owners were significantly less likely to die within one year after a heart attack than those who did not own a dog. These findings were significant, though you cannot generalize these findings to all people.

Mental Health Benefits

Pets may not only improve your physical health, but they may also provide their owners with an important source of social and emotional support. One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology compared pet owners to non pet owners and found that pet owners:

• Had greater self esteem
• Were more physically fit
• Were less lonely
• Were more conscientious
• Were more extroverted
• Were less fearful
• Were less preoccupied

Children and Pets

The next time your child asks to get a dog or cat, you may want to give your answer some thought. Children who have pets develop positive feelings about them, which can lead to greater self-esteem and self-confidence.

Children can learn to become more responsible by caring for another living creature. The experience allows them to connect with nature and learn respect for other living things.

Owning a pet can also foster non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy, which may be especially therapeutic to children with autism spectrum disorders.

Why We Benefit From the Company of Animals

Having a pet provides owners with:

• Companionship
• Increased opportunities for exercise, especially if you own a dog
• Entertainment
• Have something to care for and a source of consistency
• Security and comfort
• Opportunities to socialize with other pet owners
• An improved sense of well-being

Is a Pet Right For You?

Does this mean you should run to the nearest pet store and buy a cat, bird, or fish? Though preliminary research suggests that pet ownership may be beneficial to your health, you need to make sure that the pet you choose fits in with your lifestyle, habits, experience, and expectations. Because pets are completely dependent on you for everything, it’s important to make sure that you’re willing to commit to the responsibilities they entail. If you’ve never had a pet before, starting out with a fish or hamster might be a better idea than jumping right into dog or cat ownership.