Having a pet is a commitment and not something to be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider including time, money, space and energy requirements. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready for a pet, animal charity PDSA suggests considering fostering or helping a friend with theirs to see if it really is for you.
What is a pet?
A pet is any tamed animal, usually a small animal or bird, that is kept as a companion or for fun. Most people think of dogs or cats when they hear the word pet, but there are many other animals that can be kept as pets, including guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, and hamsters. Rodents such as these are low-maintenance and playful, and they often make great children’s pets because they are easy to take care of and can provide a lot of entertainment for kids by letting out a squeal when their owner walks into the room.
There are also fish, amphibians, and reptiles that can be kept as pets. These animals can be interesting to look at, and some fish are quite beautiful. Reptiles can be good pets for those who are interested in learning about them, and some reptiles are able to form close bonds with their owners.
The primary reason people keep animals as pets is for their companionship. The relationship between an animal and its owner has been sentimentalized in art, literature, and movies, such as the stories about Alexander the Great’s horse Bucephalus and the television shows about Lassie. Dogs are the most popular pets, and they can offer companionship, as well as help to reduce loneliness for elderly people.
In addition to companionship, some pets are used for recreational activities such as hunting or playing sports with them, and others can be a status symbol. Historically, some animals have been kept as pets for their ability to catch other animals, such as wild game, for food. Cats and dogs are still commonly used for this purpose, and hawks have been kept for the sport of falconry.
Some pets, such as domesticated swine and cattle, are raised for their meat. The quality of their meat can vary greatly between farms, however, so it’s important to research the farm that you plan on purchasing from before buying.
Some people keep animals as pets because they like the way that it feels to touch them and the way that they smell, and the way that they move. This is called the physiologic connection, and it’s an important part of the bond that people have with their pets. It is believed that the physiologic connection contributes to some of the health benefits that are associated with having a pet, such as lower blood pressure and decreased risk of heart disease. NIH is funding large-scale studies to learn more about this connection and how it relates to human health.