A pet is an animal that is tamed and kept as a companion. It may be any species of vertebrate or invertebrate, from dogs and cats to fish and rodents to hermit crabs and tarantulas. The word is derived from the Latin for beloved, and is often used to refer to someone or something that is cherished.
Many people own pets for emotional and mental health benefits. Studies have shown that having a pet can lower stress, and increase a sense of purpose. Pets are also a great social lubricant, helping people to start conversations and meet new people. Dogs are especially good for this, as they encourage people to meet each other while taking them on walks or in dog parks. Pets can also provide structure to a person’s day, as they need regular feeding and exercise. They can also help to reduce anxiety by lowering blood pressure, and by providing an experience of touch and movement that is soothing for those who are depressed or anxious. They can even make people more prone to smile and laugh.
Most people who keep pets do so to have fun and enjoy the company of a friend or loved one. They may play games with their pets, teach them tricks, or take them on adventures. Children particularly benefit from the companionship of a pet, and can learn the value of responsibility by caring for it. They can develop a sense of self-worth by achieving goals, like training their pet to perform a trick, and can gain an appreciation for nature and wildlife by spending time with their pet outdoors.
Some people use their pets as status symbols, as in the case of a purebred dog or a rare bird. In addition, some people keep pets for the pleasure of their appearance or the sounds they produce, such as bird song or reptiles’ hisses and squeals. The affection between Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus, immortalized in movies such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, is a testament to the special bond between humans and animals.
Pets can be expensive to buy and maintain, and the cost of veterinary care can add up over the years. For this reason, it is important to consider the long-term costs of a pet before getting one. It is also important to ensure that an animal is a good fit for a person’s lifestyle, as some pets require more time and energy than others. For example, a person who works long hours and travels frequently will not be able to care for a high-energy dog that needs lots of outdoor activity and frequent walks. If an animal is not a good fit, it can become stressed and unhealthy, or it may be abandoned or euthanized.