Pets, such as dogs, cats and rabbits, can bring a lot of joy into one’s life. They also provide a number of health benefits. However, pets are not for everyone. Before you decide to have a pet, you should think about the time commitment and expense involved. Also, if you’re allergic to certain animals, having a pet may not be a good idea.
A pet animal is any nonhuman animal that is cared for by one or more people. The animals are usually kept in close proximity to their caregivers and they play a regular role in the household’s emotional economy. The animals do not work to earn a living, but they provide a service by giving love and companionship to their humans.
The average person has at least one pet animal in their home. Some have more than one, depending on their family’s needs and lifestyle. The most common type of pet is a dog or cat. Other pets include fish, birds and reptiles. In the United States, there are an estimated 97 million dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, fish, birds, reptiles and other animals that live as pets.
People who own pets often enjoy a lower level of stress, better physical health and higher self-esteem than those who don’t have pets. Pets can help improve mental and social skills, especially in children. They can teach responsibility and help kids develop empathy toward other living things. Pets can also help kids with anxiety or depression, as they can offer unconditional love and attention. In addition, they can help build trust in a child.
If you’re considering a pet, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. These animals often have more issues than a puppy or kitten from a breeder, but they can still make excellent companions. If you’re looking for a specific breed of pet, talk to a veterinarian to find out what the breed’s typical lifespan is and how much it costs to take care of.
When writing a fictional pet, you should pay close attention to the animal’s markings, voice and behavior. Try to evoke the senses in your readers, too–hearing their barks and meows, feeling their fur or scales and smelling their scents. A well-written pet can really add to the story, bringing the reader into the world of your characters.
If you’re unsure about including a pet in your story, start by brainstorming ideas. Do a few minutes of research each day on your favorite animal to learn about its habits, diet, environment and health issues. Then, use what you’ve learned to endear the character to your readers. For example, if you’re writing about an adventurous character, give him a bearded dragon, snapping turtle or exotic bird as his pet to show his wild side. It’s also fun to juxtapose a quirky character with an equally quirky pet. A tattooed biker with a toy poodle or Chihuahua would make a great pair!