Benefits of Pet Ownership - Health care providers across the country are recognizing that animals play a unique role in helping people stay healthy. Over the years, many studies have been conducted to assess the benefits of owning a pet. Here are a few of the findings:

• Pet ownership has been shown to have a statistically significant effect on the physical health of people. Pet owners are more physically active than non-pet owners and tend to exercise regularly and more often. Pet owners tend to have lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and are more likely to survive a heart attack. Pet owners also tend to rehabilitate faster from physical or psychological illnesses.
  
  
• A 1995 national survey showed that dog and cat owners make fewer annual visits to the doctor and are less likely to be on heart medication for heart problems and sleeping disorders.
  
  
• Children who have pets tend to be more sociable, less selfish, and more self-reliant.
  
  
• According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, caring for a cat or dog can reduce a person’s loneliness and depression, and provide social support. The study also reports that the “care-taking role” involved in pet ownership may provide older people with a sense of purpose and responsibility and encourage them to be less apathetic and more active in day-to-day activities.
  
  
• The bond that develops between people and their pets creates companionship, fosters a feeling of well-being, and builds healthy family relationships.
  
  
• Owning a pet is relaxing, helps reduce tension and anxiety. Pets relieve stress by inducing laughter. They keep us amused with their crazy antics and zest for life.
  
  
• Children who have trouble reading out loud will be much more at ease reading to a dog or cat.
  
  
• Pet ownership tends to increase a person’s confidence and improve their performance.
  
  
• Dr. Edward Creagan, a Mayo Clinic oncologist said “It doesn’t really matter what type of pets you have. When you pet a dog, stroke a cat on your lap, or enjoy any animal, something good happens. There’s a feeling of contentment and joy from the unconditional love an animal brings into your life."