Hundreds of millions of dogs, cats and other pets live in homes in the United States. They are often beloved, cherished family members, and the companionship they share with their humans is unmatched by any other relationship in the human world. The bond between a pet and its owner is so profound that it has been immortalized in mythology, art and movies such as the iconic Rin Tin Tin and Lassie. But pets are more than just entertainment and socialization; they provide a number of important health benefits to their owners, including stress relief, lower blood pressure, better mood and even lower cholesterol.
In addition to those health benefits, pets also make great teachers for children and can help them develop empathy and social skills, especially if they are adopted from a shelter rather than bought in a store. Studies have shown that children with pets are less likely to be overweight, and the interaction between a child and an animal can lead to greater self-esteem. Pets have also been shown to help autistic people learn to cope with their sensory issues.
When selecting a pet, it is important to consider the type of care required as well as the long-term commitment involved. Pets can require a lot of time and energy, and it’s not fair to expect them to endure a life that is not ideal for their needs.
One of the most important factors is diet. Despite the many different types of foods on the market, it’s best to stick to high-quality commercial brands that are formulated by board-certified nutritionists and tested for nutrient adequacy. It’s also a good idea to check for any animal byproducts, as these can be hard on a pet’s stomach.
Other important considerations include the size of the space where you plan to keep your pet, and how much exercise and activity it will need. If you live in a small apartment, for example, it’s probably not a good idea to get a dog that requires extensive outdoor activities. And think about who will be responsible for your pet if you are away from home often, such as if you travel or work.
Most important of all, if you are thinking about getting a pet, be sure to adopt so as not to contribute to the estimated 10 million animals that are euthanized each year in shelters across the country. These animals are often subjected to a stressful existence that is worse than any they would experience in the wild (even if they have been semi-domesticated and bred). This is a tragedy for the animals, and it is indicative of society’s lack of understanding of what a good life for an animal really means. While the exact figure has been disputed, it is still a gruesome statistic that represents the unfortunate and largely unnecessary results of humanity’s semi-domestication and breeding of once-wild animals. The vast majority of these animals are dogs and cats.