Aside from their cute and cuddly demeanor, pets actually provide their owners with a lot of benefits. From mental and physical health benefits to making an owner a more well-rounded person, it’s not surprising so many people are investing in the pet market.

According to the Washington Post, more than 23 million Americans (⅕ people) adopted a pet during the pandemic. This in part may have been caused by the lack of companionship people had. With the need to work and feel wanted, cats and dogs were to perfect choice to solve this disparity. Having a pet also provided a new routine to the unstructured way of life millions of people were cast into during the pandemic. Taking dogs on walks and routine feeding times were just some of the things to help bring things back to normal.

With unemployment and stress high, pets helped to lower rates of anxiety and depression. In the article Help Guide, animals provide sensory stress relief. Stroking a cat or dog can help you feel calmer and less stressed, as well as, lower your blood pressure. This might be an especially good idea for those with a high-stress level or who are prone to anxiety.

Not only were these pets popular for adults during this time, however. Children are able to learn a lot from their furry best friend. One of these components is responsibility.

As a kid, I was passionate about every animal I saw. While usually my feeble attempt to adopt one was shut down, one day I was gifted with a cat for Christmas. I was so excited but, I also knew nothing about them or their care. I was met with the responsibility of feeding, cleaning, and playing with my new friend. I learned a lot from this experience, especially the importance of knowledge, preparedness, and responsibility. If I forgot to feed my cat on time, it spelled trouble for me. I quickly got used to this new schedule and it was able to even help in an academic environment. 

Relative to physical health, the National Institute of Health has found connections to managing pain in cancer patients and creating more awareness in kids with ADHD. This includes creating a better sense of attention, intention, compassion, and awareness. Animals like dogs are innately born with these traits but, most humans are still in the process of learning them.

With dogs, farm animals, and highly energetic animals, you’re sure to be getting in more exercise as well. This helps people of all ages and health statuses to gain benefits and a new source of motivation. 

I’m sure there is no need to explain how great animals are on their own. Bringing joy, companionship, and better health, oftentimes it’s hard to imagine that people dislike animals. I find myself believing instead humans are not worthy of such loyalty and unwavering love from their four-legged companions. If you’re interested in adopting a pet after reading this, please make sure to do your research. Although pets are amazing, you must be ready for the responsibility they come with as well as the hefty cost. 

When you have this down, make sure you take advantage of the benefit and appreciate your pets.