Pets enhance family life, offering a natural focus that can foster greater connection and understanding among members of the household. In addition, pets act as a social lubricant, encouraging people to get out and meet their neighbors. And for older adults, the company of a pet can help reduce stress and depression while promoting exercise and easing loneliness.
Children learn valuable life lessons through the daily chores of caring for a furry friend, such as fostering responsibility, nurturing and empathy. In addition, the presence of a pet can help kids cope with loss and grief. Pets also provide a hands-on way to explore the natural world, inspiring questions about biology, habitat and ecosystems.
Having a pet can be a wonderful way to increase a child’s confidence, especially for disabled kids who often feel left out. For example, learning to ride a horse or participate in an activity like taking care of a rabbit or hamster can give a young disabled person a sense of accomplishment. And even a small caged animal like a gerbil or hamster can be great for building self-esteem for kids with social challenges, since they can bond with other pet owners at a local pet store, a training class or the dog park.
But before you adopt a pet, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of pet ownership. Some pets require a lot of attention, including frequent trips to the veterinarian for checkups and vaccinations. Additionally, some animals are susceptible to zoonotic diseases, meaning they can pass illnesses from humans to them. And some pets can be disruptive to social gatherings and public places.
It’s also important to choose the right animal for your lifestyle. For example, if you have limited time and space at home, you might not be able to care for an active dog or cat. And if you travel frequently or work long hours, having a pet may not be feasible. In addition, some pets need a consistent feeding schedule and cannot be left alone for extended periods of time.
If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, make sure to research the type of animal that best fits your lifestyle. Remember, it’s not fair to a pet to take them from the wild and force them into a life of captivity and confinement. In fact, many of the animals who are bred and sold as “pets” endure unrelenting suffering. In addition to the dogs and cats who are euthanized in shelters, PETA has discovered that a variety of other species who are sold as pets—including birds, fish, reptiles, gerbils and hamsters—are subjected to untold cruelties.