Top 7 benefits of pet ownership and how it can better your life

Pet ownership can bring so much joy and benefits into someone’s life. It can be a big responsibility to care for an animal, but the benefits can offer so much.

Over 67 percent of US households own a furry (or scaled or feathered) friend. Animal companions make great company, make people laugh and smile, and bring the love of a living connection. 

Some people may think that the responsibility is off-putting, but animal friends can change your life for the better. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways owning a pet can improve your life. 

Company and Companionship

Pets are a great addition to any household but can be particularly beneficial to those who live alone or spend a lot of time without a partner. Single people, the elderly, or couples who end up separated for work such as military families can all see a huge boost to mental health and overall comfort with a pet.

These little companions help ensure you always have someone waiting for you at home. Animal snuggles go a long way to fighting loneliness. 

People Love a Pet Owner

Few things can break the ice better than when someone meets your dog or cat. If you find yourself struggling to find common ground with people, loving a pet is a great place to start.

There are also many communal spaces such as dog parks where it is almost guaranteed you can start a conversation with people coming up to meet your furry friend. Who knows, the romance story of 101 Dalmatians could be yours!

Health and Immunity Benefits of Pet Ownership

This may not be something thought about very often, but owning pets in your household can actually aid your immune system. Let’s face it, our animal companions aren’t always the cleanest roommates.

They attract germs and dirt into the home, but this can actually be helpful. The result of having pets at home is that your immune system will adapt to the added germs and microbes.

There have been studies that suggest that pet ownership can correlate to better immune system response. There is even evidence to suggest that owning a pet in homes with babies can reduce the chance of developing certain allergies. 

Pet Ownership Teaches Responsibility

Yes, pet ownership can demand a lot, but learning to provide for an animal can be very rewarding, especially for helping children learn responsibility and care. Having a pet can teach a lot of important skills, both to adults and to children. Learning to maintain a routine, provide for needs, grooming and training, can all build empathy and nurturing skills. 

Security and Safety

Animals can provide protection and comfort. There are many dog breeds greatly suited to guard duties, and burglars can be deterred just by the knowledge of a dog being present. Again, those living alone can feel a lot safer with an animal by their side. 

Emotional Support is a Benefit of Pet Ownership

In our modern world, anxiety is not a rare occurrence. Few things can relax someone quite like the company of an animal. Pet ownership can even lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels. Unwinding with a loving pet can be incredibly therapeutic and beneficial to your mental health. 

Staying Active

Pet ownership is an excellent reason to get out of the house and stay active daily. If you have a dog that needs to go for a decent walk every day to stay healthy, this can be just the reason you need to go outdoors. This can be especially beneficial to people who work from home.

Animals can have a lot of energy, and a good amount of activity can be required for them to stay happy and healthy. The thing is, a good amount of activity is required for you to stay happy and healthy, too! This is why pets make the perfect exercise buddies.

Pets can do so much for our wellbeing, and they bring so much joy to our lives, that it’s only fair that pet owners do everything possible to take care of them and give them the best life.

Having a good pet insurance plan can provide much-needed security and preparation to make sure your animal friends are well taken care of. It is important to make sure you are prepared for any event and that you can provide all that is needed for your furry companion to be with you for as long as possible.

One lasting benefit of pet ownership — When you love them, they love you back!