A pet is a domesticated animal that is kept as a source of companionship, amusement or pleasure. Most commonly, dogs and cats are pets, but animals such as rabbits; ferrets; pigs; rodents including rats, hamsters and guinea pigs; reptiles including turtles, snakes and lizards; fish (including freshwater and saltwater aquariums); amphibians; and arthropods such as insects and spiders may also be considered pets. People sometimes keep more exotic or “purebred” animals as pets as a way of showing social status, particularly when these animals are bred for their physical appearance or other characteristic.
A person with a pet often has an affinity for the animal and takes good care of it. Pets provide companionship and emotional stability to their owners, and help relieve stress, especially during times of uncertainty such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the act of caring for a pet can help improve mental health by increasing the activity in the brain’s reward center, which helps to elevate mood and reduce feelings of depression.
Pets can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility, patience and empathy. They can also increase a child’s self-esteem by helping them to feel more like part of the family. Pets can be a source of entertainment for adults and children alike, from playing with them to training them to perform tricks. They can even be a source of leisure activity, and it is not uncommon for people to develop significant expertise in the care of their particular species or type of pet.
In addition to providing a sense of security and companionship, pets can help their owners stay physically active. Most pets, like humans, need regular exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example, taking a dog for a daily walk provides the owner with an excuse to get some fresh air and burn some calories. Additionally, playing with a pet can stimulate the release of the body’s natural stress reliever, endorphins.
Finally, many pet owners find that having a pet gives them a sense of purpose. A dog or cat, for instance, requires that the owner wake up and go to sleep at a certain time each day, as well as engage in regular play and exercise. In this way, a pet can serve as an excellent “natural alarm clock,” and can help to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Ultimately, however, owning a pet is not for everyone. It is important for potential pet owners to think carefully about whether they can realistically commit the time and energy to a pet, and to ensure that their home can accommodate the animal’s size and needs. If a person is not willing or able to meet these requirements, they should not adopt a pet.