essay everyone should have a pet

Essay on Having a Pet

Students are often asked to write an essay on Having a Pet in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Having a Pet

Introduction.

Having a pet is a joyous experience. Pets are not just animals; they become a part of our family, bringing happiness and companionship.

The Joy of Having Pets

Pets teach responsibility.

Having a pet teaches responsibility. Pets need care and attention, teaching us about commitment and empathy.

Health Benefits of Pets

Pets can be good for our health too. Walking a dog encourages exercise, and stroking a cat can lower blood pressure.

250 Words Essay on Having a Pet

The companionship of pets.

Pets have long been regarded as man’s best friend, providing companionship, loyalty, and emotional support. They are not just animals, but rather an integral part of our lives, enriching our experiences and teaching us about empathy, responsibility, and unconditional love.

Psychological Benefits

Research has indicated that having a pet can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mental health. The simple act of petting an animal can trigger the release of endorphins, creating a sense of calm and happiness. Furthermore, pets can alleviate feelings of loneliness, providing a sense of purpose and companionship.

Physical Health and Well-being

Pets, particularly dogs, require regular exercise, which inadvertently encourages their owners to lead more active lifestyles. This can result in improved cardiovascular health, reduced obesity rates, and overall better physical health.

Teaching Responsibility and Empathy

Having a pet is a long-term commitment that requires responsibility. Feeding, grooming, and caring for a pet can teach individuals, especially young adults, about responsibility. Moreover, pets can help develop empathy as we learn to understand and cater to their needs.

In essence, having a pet is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits. It is a relationship that goes beyond the physical realm, touching upon emotional and psychological aspects. Despite the challenges and responsibilities that come with pet ownership, the invaluable lessons and companionship they offer make it a worthwhile endeavor.

500 Words Essay on Having a Pet

The joy and responsibility of having a pet, the psychological benefits of pet ownership.

The psychological benefits of having a pet are well-documented. Research indicates that pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Their constant companionship can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. For instance, the act of petting a dog or a cat has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with stress reduction and mood enhancement.

Physical Health Advantages

Beyond mental health, pets also contribute to physical health. Regular walks with a dog, for example, promote cardiovascular health and fitness. Pets can also help their owners maintain a regular sleep schedule, as they typically require feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks at consistent times.

Life Skills Acquired

Owning a pet can also impart valuable life skills, particularly for young adults. The responsibility of caring for another living being can foster empathy, compassion, and responsibility. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the cycle of life and death, helping to develop emotional resilience.

The Challenges of Pet Ownership

Choosing the right pet.

Choosing the right pet is a crucial step in ensuring a positive pet ownership experience. This decision should be based on lifestyle, living situation, financial capability, and personal preference. For example, a dog may be a poor choice for someone with a busy schedule or limited living space, while a cat or a fish may be a more suitable option.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

15 reasons why having a pet is good for you and your family

Owning a pet can positively impact not only your health but also your lifestyle.
Couples who own a pet together have lower blood pressure and interact with each other more than couples who do not own a pet.
Studies show that pet owners are more likely to get to know people in their neighborhood than those who do not have a pet.
Animals can help children by teaching them about empathy and responsibility, and can even boost their literacy skills.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or anything in between, pet ownership can be an adventure.

A furry friend can also keep you company through the stress or isolation of the coronavirus pandemic — this may be why pet adoption and fostering have spiked recently .

While people who adopt an animal usually think they're changing its life for the better, pets have just as much of a positive impact on the lives of their owners. If you're still on the fence about whether or not you should adopt a pet, here are 15 reasons why you need one in your life.

Having a pet can improve your mood.

Owning a pet can help reduce stress you're feeling amid the pandemic. According to studies , spending time with your pet can trigger an increased level of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone." This is responsible for the feeling of closeness and increased bonding with your pet. It can also increase your overall mood .

Pets can also improve your social life.

Your pet could be the perfect conversation starter for your next Zoom call, but owning a pet could also help you make more friends once social distancing guidelines lift.

Dogs are naturally curious about their environment, including other dogs and people, and they can be the catalyst for social interactions. If you own a dog, you might find strangers approaching you to ask about them.

But other pets like cats can increase your social circle as well. According to a 2015 study conducted in Australia and the US, pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know people in their neighborhood than those who did not own a pet.

If you're looking for love, a pet can help with that, too.

Pets can be a great way to increase your chances of finding love . According to a survey by Purina , 54 percent of surveyed pet owners said their pets helped them start a conversation with someone they were interested in. Nearly two thirds of people said they were likely to date someone who owned a pet, and one in three would want to meet someone who has pictures of their pet in their online dating profile.

And if you're in a relationship, a pet can make you both happier and less stressed.

According to research cited by Psychology Today, couples who own a pet together have lower blood pressure and are happier on average than their peers. They also interact more with each other than couples who don't own a pet.

Owning a pet can make you a better person.

According to a study by BarkBox , owning a dog can make you a better person (or at least make you think you are!). Of those surveyed for the study, 93% of pet owners said they could easily name at least one way their pet had made them a better person, including making them noticeably more patient or affectionate.

Bringing your pet to work can boost your morale and help control your stress levels.

Showing off your pet can brighten those work-from-home video meetings, not only for yourself but also for your co-workers.

A 2012 study conducted at a North Carolina manufacturing company found that employees who brought their dogs to the workplace experienced lower stress levels throughout the day, reported being happier in their jobs, and had a higher opinion of their employer.

Pets can also help you unwind after a long day at work.

Pets can give you comfort and a sense of relief. A 2003 study found the act of petting an animal after a stressful situation reduced feelings of anxiety. "The anxiety-reducing effect applied to people with different attitudes towards animals and was not restricted to animal lovers," the study noted.

Having a pet nearby, especially a dog, can make you feel more secure.

Large dog breeds like German shepherds and Rottweilers make for great deterrents from outside threats, allowing their owners to feel safer. The popularity of Rottweilers has risen in recent years thanks to " their loyalty, confidence and protective instincts. "

You always have someone to snuggle with on cold nights.

While pets may disturb their sleep at times, some owners enjoy the comfort of curling up with their pet close by. They can make you feel at peace as you drift off to sleep.

Whether it's taking them for a walk or doing yoga, pets can make you more physically active.

Dubbed the " Lassie effect ," taking your dog for a walk also makes you more physically fit and increases the chance you're going to get your daily exercise.

You'll find immeasurable joy in playing fetch with your dog, or teaching your pet tricks.

Almost every dog owner knows the joy of playing fetch with them on a nice summer day. You can teach your dog to shake hands, roll over, and bark on command, but dogs aren't the only ones that can be taught tricks. Cats can also be trained to sit and high five on command.

While they're not as fluffy as cats or dogs, birds like parrots can be life-long companions.

Birds are social creatures and love to play games and perform tricks. But unlike other animals, parrots and other birds have the ability to learn and mimic human speech. They also have life spans on par with a human's, with some parrots living to be over 100, meaning you'll have a friend for life.

Owning a pet can help your child's learning.

Having a pet at an early age can boost a child's confidence and empathy levels , according to Blue Cross. Pets are natural listeners, and your child may feel more comfortable practicing their reading skills aloud in front of a pet than another person.

A pet can also teach your child about responsibility.

According to a national survey by the American Pet Product Association, 58 percent of pet owners said their animals help teach their children to be responsible. From an early age, a child can help feed, walk, and bathe a family pet.

Pets can also be the inspiration for great creative works.

Pets inspire people in various of ways. English actor Oliver Reed reviewed his movie script with his cat, Felix, nearby. When he was coming up with his theories, Albert Einstein would often watch his cat, Tiger, move about. It was an injured dog that inspired Florence Nightingale to become a nurse.

A photographer captured photos of 15 pairs of dogs and their owners that look hilariously alike
This dog adopted an abandoned kitten after losing her own puppies, and the photos will warm your heart
12 dogs with disabilities who are living their best life
Belarus the cross-eyed rescue cat has stolen the hearts of thousands online, and now he's helping other animals in need

Main content

A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Search form

February 2018

Print this issue

The Power of Pets

Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions

Illustration of people with different types of pets

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.

An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits from an animal? And which type of pet brings health benefits?

Over the past 10 years, NIH has partnered with the Mars Corporation’s WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition to answer questions like these by funding research studies.

Scientists are looking at what the potential physical and mental health benefits are for different animals—from fish to guinea pigs to dogs and cats.

Possible Health Effects

Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new. Some studies have shown positive health effects, but the results have been mixed.

Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.

The NIH/Mars Partnership is funding a range of studies focused on the relationships we have with animals. For example, researchers are looking into how animals might influence child development. They’re studying animal interactions with kids who have autism , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , and other conditions.

“There’s not one answer about how a pet can help somebody with a specific condition,” explains Dr. Layla Esposito, who oversees NIH’s Human-Animal Interaction Research Program. “Is your goal to increase physical activity? Then you might benefit from owning a dog. You have to walk a dog several times a day and you’re going to increase physical activity. If your goal is reducing stress, sometimes watching fish swim can result in a feeling of calmness. So there’s no one type fits all.”

NIH is funding large-scale surveys to find out the range of pets people live with and how their relationships with their pets relate to health.

“We’re trying to tap into the subjective quality of the relationship with the animal—that part of the bond that people feel with animals—and how that translates into some of the health benefits,” explains Dr. James Griffin, a child development expert at NIH.

Animals Helping People

Animals can serve as a source of comfort and support. Therapy dogs are especially good at this. They’re sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety.

“Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving,” says Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. “Their attention is focused on the person all the time.”

Berger works with people who have cancer and terminal illnesses. She teaches them about mindfulness to help decrease stress and manage pain.

“The foundations of mindfulness include attention, intention, compassion, and awareness,” Berger says. “All of those things are things that animals bring to the table. People kind of have to learn it. Animals do this innately.”

Researchers are studying the safety of bringing animals into hospital settings because animals may expose people to more germs. A current study is looking at the safety of bringing dogs to visit children with cancer, Esposito says. Scientists will be testing the children’s hands to see if there are dangerous levels of germs transferred from the dog after the visit.

Dogs may also aid in the classroom. One study found that dogs can help children with ADHD focus their attention. Researchers enrolled two groups of children diagnosed with ADHD into 12-week group therapy sessions. The first group of kids read to a therapy dog once a week for 30 minutes. The second group read to puppets that looked like dogs.

Kids who read to the real animals showed better social skills and more sharing, cooperation, and volunteering. They also had fewer behavioral problems.

Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom. When the children spent 10 minutes in a supervised group playtime with guinea pigs, their anxiety levels dropped. The children also had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers. The researchers suggest that the animals offered unconditional acceptance, making them a calm comfort to the children.

“Animals can become a way of building a bridge for those social interactions,” Griffin says. He adds that researchers are trying to better understand these effects and who they might help.

Animals may help you in other unexpected ways. A recent study showed that caring for fish helped teens with diabetes better manage their disease. Researchers had a group of teens with type 1 diabetes care for a pet fish twice a day by feeding and checking water levels. The caretaking routine also included changing the tank water each week. This was paired with the children reviewing their blood glucose (blood sugar) logs with parents.

Researchers tracked how consistently these teens checked their blood glucose. Compared with teens who weren’t given a fish to care for, fish-keeping teens were more disciplined about checking their own blood glucose levels, which is essential for maintaining their health.

While pets may bring a wide range of health benefits, an animal may not work for everyone. Recent studies suggest that early exposure to pets may help protect young children from developing allergies and asthma. But for people who are allergic to certain animals, having pets in the home can do more harm than good.

Helping Each Other

Pets also bring new responsibilities. Knowing how to care for and feed an animal is part of owning a pet. NIH/Mars funds studies looking into the effects of human-animal interactions for both the pet and the person.

Remember that animals can feel stressed and fatigued, too. It’s important for kids to be able to recognize signs of stress in their pet and know when not to approach. Animal bites can cause serious harm.

“Dog bite prevention is certainly an issue parents need to consider, especially for young children who don’t always know the boundaries of what’s appropriate to do with a dog,” Esposito explains.

Researchers will continue to explore the many health effects of having a pet. “We’re trying to find out what’s working, what’s not working, and what’s safe—for both the humans and the animals,” Esposito says.

Why Do We Have Pets?

People have an innate interest in other species, but we like having pets for a variety of social reasons

By Daisy Yuhas

Getty Images

On my 10th birthday, I got a puppy. I was so shocked—I had wanted a dog for as long as I could remember—and so overwhelmed with happiness that I burst into tears. For the next 14 years, Happy, a beagle, charmed everyone he met. And when he passed, all of us who had known him mourned, as we would for any loved one. Two in three American households have a pet—that is, an animal kept primarily for companionship. And despite the fact that these housemates may bear scales, fur, fins or feathers, people often view their animals as family members. In 2017 we spent an estimated $69 billion on our animal companions and untold hours caring for them.

For 50 years psychologists have been trying to unravel the appeals of animal companionship in hopes of deciphering just why we invest so much in these creatures. In the process, anthrozoologists—scientists who study human-animal relationships—have discovered a window into human sociality more broadly. Our interactions with animals can be useful models for understanding how issues of identity, nurturing, support and attachment play out in a relationship. “It’s all about human psychology,” says anthrozoologist Pauleen Bennett of La Trobe University in Australia. “Pets help us fill our need for social connectedness.”

Although the motivations for pet ownership may vary as much as a Golden Retriever and a goldfish, scientists are finding that some common threads tie people to their household pets. Our attraction to animals may be subconscious, driven by biological and social forces that we do not fully acknowledge. In addition, the emotional bond between pets and their owners can bring varied benefits, from lowered stress to novel adventures. The more we uncover about our companion animals, the more we may learn about our human attachments as well.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Inborn Attraction?

Part of our attraction to animal companionship is innate. In 2013 psychologist Vanessa LoBue of Rutgers University and her colleagues revealed that toddlers one to three years old spend more time interacting with live animals—whether fish, hamsters, snakes, spiders or geckos—than they do with inanimate toys when given a choice between the two.

Humans even have specialized brain cells for recognizing animal life. Researchers led by Christof Koch of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle (he also serves on Scientific American ’s board of advisers) have found neurons in the amygdala, an area involved in emotions, that respond preferentially to animal images. The 2011 finding hints at a neural basis for the powerful emotional reactions animals elicit from us.

Many animals seem to tap into humans’ attraction to the adorable, a drive that also may motivate good parenting. Behavioral researchers have long noticed that humans seem to have inborn, positive responses to beings with characteristics typical of human infants—such as wide eyes, broad foreheads and large head-to-body ratios.

To better understand the responses that cuteness can elicit, psychologist Hiroshi Nittono, then at Hiroshima University in Japan, and his colleagues published a series of experiments in 2012 in which college students, 132 in all, searched for a digit in numerical matrices or lifted tiny objects from small holes using tweezers. Afterward, participants viewed a series of photographs before attempting the attention or motor task for a second time.

Nittono and his colleagues found that students who viewed adult animals or food—stimuli they had rated as pleasant but not cute—did not improve between trials. But the students who saw cute baby animals did the tweezer task faster and more dexterously and performed the visual search task faster the second time, suggesting that being exposed to such creatures motivates focused, attentive behavior. This finding suggests that humans are primed to attend to fragile, young infants, who may require greater care than other beings. Clearly, baby animals exploit the same instinctive responses in us that human infants elicit.

Such findings lend credence to the idea that our interest in pets stems from what biologist E. O. Wilson has called “biophilia,” or an inherent tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes. Our fascination with all manner of fauna might explain why people adopt such a wide range of animal life, from tarantulas to salamanders.

Yet Wilson has also acknowledged that our interest in animals depends on personal and cultural experience. For example, dogs are popular in many Western countries but are considered unclean in traditional Islamic communities. Indeed, psychologist Harold A. Herzog of Western Carolina University has argued that pet keeping is driven principally by culture. In a paper published in 2013 Herzog and his colleagues assessed the fluctuating popularity of dog breeds using the American Kennel Club’s registry from 1926 to 2005. They found no relationship between a breed’s health, longevity or behavioral traits such as aggressiveness or trainability and its popularity. Instead, they argued, the trends in top dogs were erratic and seemed to shift suddenly, as if driven by fashion. In 2014 three of the authors, including Herzog, further discovered that movies featuring specific dog breeds would boost that pooch’s popularity for up to a decade. In the 10 years following the 1963 release of The Incredible Journey , starring a Labrador Retriever, people registered Labs in the kennel club at an average rate of 2,223 dogs a year, in contrast to 452 dogs a year in the previous decade.

Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that similar brain regions, including the amygdala, engage when women view their own children ( a , b ) and dogs ( c , d ). The overlap is not absolute, however. Certain midbrain areas (SNi/VTA) activate only when mothers see their kids. Credit: “Patterns of Brain Activation When Mothers View Their Own Child and Dog: An FMRI Study,” by Luke E. Stoeckel et al., in PLOS ONE , Vol. 9, No. 10, Article No. E107205; October 3, 2014

Extending these findings to other species, Herzog posited that people may keep pets simply because other people keep pets, reflecting our penchant for imitation. He pointed to a brief craze in the U.S. for turtle keeping, a koi fish fad in Japan and what he jokingly identified as a brief “epidemic of Irish Setters” as further evidence.

Friends with Benefits

But even if imitation plays a role in their choices, most people profess to wanting pets for companionship. This friendship then sustains the connection despite the costs of ownership. Indeed, some animal-human relationships feel similar in certain ways to human relationships. In a study published in 2014 Massachusetts General Hospital veterinarian Lori Palley and her colleagues used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity in 14 mothers while they were looking at pictures of their children or their dogs or at pictures of other people’s children or unfamiliar dogs. The researchers found that the brain activation patterns evoked by images of the women’s own children and dogs were very similar and that those patterns were distinct from those elicited by unknown children and canines, suggesting that maternal feelings may extend to animals. Pets may thus help fill a human need to nurture other living beings.

Our interest in other animals may be partially innate. Children are fascinated by diverse creatures from a young age. Credit: Jeff Greenough Getty Images

Some researchers think we are drawn to cute animals because aspects of their appearance, such as large eyes and so contours, somewhat resemble a human infant’s features. Credit: Getty Images

An animal also can be on the flip side of this relationship, serving as a source of comfort. In the 1960s Yeshiva University child psychologist Boris Levinson observed that troubled, socially withdrawn children became talkative and enthusiastic about therapy when his dog, Jingles, was present during a session. This observation spurred a series of investigations into whether or not keeping pets could improve well-being. In a 1980 study of 92 people, biologist Erika Friedmann, then at the University of Pennsylvania, reported that pet owners were more likely to be alive a year after a heart attack than were people who did not have a companion animal—possibly because the animals afforded some form of stress relief. Yet efforts to replicate such findings have had mixed results, and animal-assisted therapy, the field that Levinson’s work inspired, has been criticized for overstating the ability of animals to ameliorate mental illness [see “Can Animals Aid Therapy?” by Scott O. Lilienfeld and Hal Arkowitz].

Credit: Getty Images

Nevertheless, some people may gain psychological support from their pets and keep them for exactly this reason. In a study published in 2012 psychologist Sigal Zilcha-Mano, then at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel, and her colleagues asked 285 cat or dog owners to answer a questionnaire assessing their emotional connection with their pet. Then the researchers asked 120 of these pet owners to take a challenging word test. By recording her subjects’ blood pressure—a measure of stress—during the test, Zilcha-Mano found that individuals who had their pet present or thought about the pet before taking the test had lower stress than people who had no contact with the pet. Yet the strength of this benefit depended on how attached the owner was to his or her pet. In other words, the level of emotional sustenance a pet owner receives depends on how close he or she feels to the animal.

Different hormonal cocktails seem to underpin various degrees of animal-human attachment. In a study published in 2012 biologist Linda Handlin of the University of Skövde in Sweden and her colleagues measured levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin and stress hormone cortisol in 10 owners of female Labrador Retrievers and correlated the results with self-reported data about the owners’ relationships with their dogs. Owners who had higher oxytocin levels and lower cortisol levels when interacting with their dogs tended to have closer bonds with their pets. People who frequently kissed their dogs, for example, had higher levels of oxytocin, and women who reported that they dreaded their dog’s death had lower cortisol levels, perhaps because they rely on their animals for stress relief.

A person’s social orientation could also factor into the strength of the pet-person tie. In a study published in 2012 psychologist Andrea Beetz of the University of Rostock in Germany and her colleagues asked 47 seven- to 11-year-old boys who had difficulties forming social attachments to present a story before a committee of unfamiliar adults and then take a math test. During this ordeal, 24 of the children were accompanied by a dog, 10 had a friendly human by their side and the others had a toy dog nearby.

Beetz found that children accompanied by a real dog had the lowest cortisol levels and that those with human company had the highest, probably because people made these boys nervous. Furthermore, among those boys who benefited from the dog, those who engaged in the most petting and other physical contact with the dog during the test showed the least stress, as measured by salivary cortisol. Thus, interacting with animals may be an especially good buffer against stress for those who find human social interaction difficult. “Some things are much easier with animals,” Beetz says. “They are easier to forgive, don’t talk back, and there’s less inhibition when it comes to physical contact.”

Animal Antics

Yet pets are much more than human substitutes. Many people with no obvious social deficits reap varied psychological benefits from owning a pet. A 2015 phone survey of Australian city dwellers found dogs were “social icebreakers”: a puppy can be a great way to meet neighbors. In 2016 a small Korean study found that seniors who tended crickets for eight weeks had improved mental states, perhaps because the responsibility gave their routine added meaning.

In 2012 Bennett presented preliminary findings from a student, psychologist Jordan Schaan, then at Monash University in Australia, who had interviewed 37 dog owners who were personally and professionally successful and had an above-average connection to their animals. (The subjects were educated and affluent and had fulfilling romantic partnerships, for instance.) Among the benefits of dog ownership that these individuals reported was amusement; the animals’ antics made their owners laugh. Furthermore, many pet owners described their companion animals as instructors in a simpler, more virtuous lifestyle. Bennett and Schaan discovered that their highly successful subjects actually looked to their dogs as role models for a better life. People felt they could derive unconditional love and forgiveness from their dogs, whereas human beings seemed more likely to disappoint one another. “There’s something about animals that’s very genuine and honest,” Bennett says. “We miss that in our human interactions.”

Bennett and other anthrozoologists acknowledge that owners project some of this dynamic onto their animals. An owner can “read” a response into an animal companion’s behavior regardless of the animal’s intentions. Yet such projections are precisely what make this field ripe for psychology: they reveal our own social needs and desires. Animal relationships may someday provide useful comparison points to human connections—a benchmark for investigating empathy, caring and even decision making. That these creatures can fit many molds while being so different from us makes these friendships uniquely valuable.

The study of animal companionship is still in its infancy. But without this research, we could not begin to fathom the rich and varied range of relationships that make up human experience.

Daisy Yuhas edits the Scientific American column Mind Matters. She is a freelance science journalist and editor based in Austin, Tex. Follow Yuhas on Twitter @DaisyYuhas

Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Benefits of keeping pets for children, arguments against keeping pets for children, works cited.

Keeping of pets is very common in many families around the world. Different families keep pets for various reasons. According to Brayfield (73), many people do not understand the real benefits of some of the common pets that families keep. They only consider pets as companions that add some value to their families, but they cannot be able to identify these specific values. The research by Friedman (35) reveals that pets have massive benefits to children’s development. Different pets contribute differently to a child’s development. This means that some pets offer greater values than other, given the perspective that one takes during the analysis. It is necessary to note that some researchers have argued that pets pose dangers to people, especially to children.

These researchers have mentioned bites, scratches, allergies, and animal-human disease transfer as some of the reasons why it is necessary for children to stay away from pets. Although this argument has truth in it, Palmiter (56) says that when the right hygiene is kept and regular medical check-ups for the pets and family members is maintained, the risk of disease transfer can easily be eliminated. This means that these negative effects can be regulated, making the benefits to outweigh the dangers of keeping pets for children. This research focuses on analyzing some of the benefits of keeping pets for children.

There has been an extensive research to determine some of the specific benefits of keeping pets for children. According to Brayfield (41), keeping of pets help in promoting physical exercise of children. In the current society where technology defines the social life of human beings, children have become addicted to indoor games played in computer. The computer games have eliminated the physical games like skiing, riding, jogging, and even football which are very important for the physical growth of children.

Keeping a dog would make a child develop an interest to take it around the home for some physical exercise, just as they see their parents do. This makes them consider jogging as a game that also involves their favorite pets. Sometimes it may be necessary to have a close parental supervision if the child is below 12 years. This exercise will eliminate many health complications such as obesity, and enable these children to develop into healthy adolescents.

Pets play an important role in the social development of children. According to Dann (78), pets are some of the best social facilitators for children. Some children are always very shy, because of the parental neglect, parental abuse, or genetically reasons. Such children would always feel inferior before their peers or other members of the family. Such children are always withdrawn and will try to avoid the presence of other people.

This condition may become worse if the parents or guardians ignore it as a stage in life that such a child would be able to overcome. Dogs can play a pivotal role in helping such children overcome their conditions. According to Brayfield (89), every human being- irrespective of age or other demographical factors- needs someone to confide in and share some of the fears in life. Some of these children may find solace in some of the social pets like dogs. They may feel comfortable playing with dogs because the pet will not realize that the child is an introvert. From such games, an introvert child would become very active, always preferring to jog around with the dogs. Such physical exercise is very instrumental in helping them overcome some of the fears. This may boost their social development.

Pets are important in the development of a sense of responsibility by children when they are allowed to take care of them. In most of the cases, a parent would feed the pets, clean them, and give them medicine while children are watching. According to Friedman (123), children are good learners when they are allowed to observe how some of these activities are done. While parents teach their children a sense of responsibility, the pets act as a vehicle through which this learning process can be realized. Children get to know that as human beings, we have a responsibility in our lives. In some cases, a child would see a parent setting aside a portion of dog’s food or medicine for future use.

This makes them know that resources are scarce, and there is always a need to use them sparingly, storing some of the products whenever we have excess for the purpose of future use. This makes them grow up into responsible individuals who know how to take care of resources within their custody. According to Brayfield (82), it also helps children develop self-esteem when they are allowed to feed the pets. This makes them feel that they are of great value to the family. This is very important in helping them grow up into successful people in life.

Pets may be very helpful in enhancing a child’s cognitive development. According to Dann (115), a child may develop an interest in particular pet that may become its favorite. Such a child is always willing to learn more about their favorite pets in order to be able to take care of them in a better way. For instance, a child who is fond of the family dog will always try to find a way of making it feel comfortable. When a veterinary officer visits, such a child would want to ask so many questions.

The child would want to know why a specific medicine is used, the importance of the injection, the effect of the medicine in the body, if the injection will not kill the dog, and how he can help take care of the dog in the absence of the veterinary officer. When these questions are answered articulately and in simple languages that the child can learn, the information will stick. Such information can be very important in the life of the child other than when taking care of the dog. Such a child would be able to fight its fear towards injection because they already know that the pain of the injection is only short-lived, but its benefits last long.

The child would also be able to know why it is necessary to maintain a high level of hygiene when taking care of the dogs and this will be applied in their own cases. In class work, such a child would have a better performance because of the practical experience that it is subjected to when dealing with these pets. As Brayfield (90) says, pets may also evoke a child’s desire to do a research by reading books that talk about their favorite pets. When they find books with proper graphics and simple language about their topic, they get to understand the importance of conducting an independent research. This will improve their performance at school.

Pets may play an important role in the psychotherapy of a child. According to Dann (24), the relationship between a child and a pet is always non-judgmental. Children who are emotionally weak because of a mistake they have done would prefer going to a dog, holding it closely, and then confessing the mistake. This is so because they know that the dog would not judge them harshly. Instead, it would respond in a reassuring manner, something that may not be the case when the child confided in a person. According to Brayfield (92), it is normal that sometimes people may be interested in making some confessions to people they trust hoping that their confession will remain secret.

Such confessions always have the effect of reducing the burden of having to keep the information to oneself. However, most children do not trust their parents, guardians, or elders they stay with because of the harsh judgment or even a punishment that may follow. They also do not trust their peers because they can share the secrets with the parents or use it as a tool to frustrate them in the family. For this reason, they prefer keeping the information to themselves, which may be hurting. Pets such as dogs or cats always offer them the best solution. When they confess to these pets, they know that they will not be judged harshly, and that their secrets will remain safely protected. This makes these pets to perfect psychotherapy to children, making them appreciate the importance of some values in life.

Taking care of a pet improves the common bond among siblings within a family. According to Friedman (57), it is normal to find siblings fighting over various issues in the family. It could be a fight for the attention of the parents, fight over gifts bought for everyone, or many other factors. In most of the cases, these fights or differences may not be good for the development of a bond between the siblings. If not addressed within the right time, these differences may be entrenched in these siblings and they may end up growing to become sworn enemies. Pets may play an important role in eliminating these differences and bonding the siblings to grow up loving one another.

For instance, when these siblings are fond of dogs, they will always strive to take care of it by feeding it, giving it medication, or washing it. When one of the siblings takes care of the dog, the other will consider it a favor done to them because of their fondness to the dog. This pet will, therefore, act as a bridge between these two siblings that brings them together. It also becomes easy for the siblings to realize that they have more factors that bring them together than what sets them apart. This positive bonding in the family is very important in the positive development of these children. They will learn values such as sharing tasks, sharing their gifts and other properties, and the need to approach various problems as a unit in order to succeed in life.

Pets may also help in the reduction of stress and anxiety amongst children. The research by Brayfield (34) shows that cuddling of pets has an effect of reducing stress among children. Sometimes a child may develop anxiety because of a mistake done, or anticipation. Cuddling of pets such as a cat may help reduce anxiety. The pets may also help eliminate the feeling of loneliness. When a child plays with a dog or a cat, the feeling of loneliness is always eliminated. They get entertained, and this makes them forget the fact that they are lonely. Pets are also known to help children fight stress (Friedman 76). For instance, when a parent or a guardian scolds a child, a pet would be a perfect solution for the child. Playing with the pet may help the child forget about the scold.

A section of researchers have warned against allowing children to get into contact with pets because of the physical or psychological harm that these pets may inflict on them. McConnel (1240) says that some families keep snakes as their favorite pets. Although these snakes are always non-poisonous, this does not eliminate chances that they may bite, and in case this happens, it will affect a child in various ways. There will be a pain that the child will be subjected to because of the bite. Perhaps the worst effect will manifest itself psychologically. Such a child will grow up in fear of other pets or even people because of such incidents.

Ascione (56) says that dogs and other pets may also pass some diseases, such as rubies, to children. Such diseases may be fatal if immediate medical attention is not offered. McConnel (1245) feels that dogs or cats may cause physical harm to children. A cat may scratch a child during the play, and this may cause physical and emotional torture. Even after the wound is treated, such a child would fear cats, and their presence in the house would mean lack of freedom to them. It is also a fact that some children may develop allergic reactions when they come into contact with some of the pets. Keeping these pets may subject such children to constant health problems. Although these arguments have some truth, it is important to note that these scholars also appreciate that pets may be important in the development of a child.

Keeping of pets has become common in various societies around the world. However, the traditional reason why these pets were kept is very different from the reason why people keep them today. Dogs were meant to offer security, cats to take care of mice, and horse to help in transport. However, these animals are currently serving a different purpose. This study has revealed that pets can play an important role in the development of a child. Although some scholars have stated that some of these pets may cause physical or emotional harm, they also appreciate that with proper care and wisdom when choosing the pets, children stand to gain by interacting with them. Children will benefit physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. For this reason, parents are encouraged to choose the right pets for their children to help in their effective development.

Ascione, Frank. Children and Animals: Exploring the Roots of Kindness and Cruelty . West Lafayette: Purdue University Press, 2004. Print.

Brayfield, Amy. Your Child’s First Pet: A Parent’s Guide to Ensuring Success . Ocala, Fla: Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011. Print.

Dann, Bucky. Creating Children’s Sermons: 51 Visual Lessons . Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1981. Print.

Friedman, Jacob. New Transcription Factors and Their Role in Diabetes and Therapy . Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006. Web.

McConnel, Allen. “Friends With Benefits: On The Positive Consequences Of Pet Ownership.” Journal of Personality & Social Psychology 101.6 (2011): 1239-1252. Print.

Palmiter, Sarah. Pets As Healers: The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy with Children . Pasadena, Calif: Pacific Oaks College, 2009. Print.

Adopting a Pet for a Balanced Life
Cats’ and Dogs’ Influences on the Environment and the Ecosystem
The Scam of Flying Pets
People Should Consider Owning a Pet Because Doing So Can Relieve Stress
An Adventure with My Pet Pit-Bull Dog “Tiger”
Parenting Styles of Young Adults
Marriage in the New Millennium
Family Studies: Various Approaches
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, June 19). Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pets-keeping-benefits-for-children/

"Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children." IvyPanda , 19 June 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/pets-keeping-benefits-for-children/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children'. 19 June.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children." June 19, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pets-keeping-benefits-for-children/.

1. IvyPanda . "Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children." June 19, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pets-keeping-benefits-for-children/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children." June 19, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pets-keeping-benefits-for-children/.

Should Every Child Own A Pet? Free Essay Example

📌Category:	, , ,
📌Words:	360
📌Pages:	2
📌Published:	24 September 2022

Most families believe that having a pet is a burden and that there are 0 advantages to owning a pet, but is this really true? Many people are worried that the disadvantages of having a pet will outweigh the advantages of owning a pet. There are many benefits to owning a pet.

In order for children to have a positive child development , every child should own a pet. Studies done by RAND Corporation show the impact of children having pets show that owning a pet can reduce stress, can provide social support and companionship and improve a child's communication skills. This shows that owning a pet can really benefit a child's everyday life and can provide a child with a certain set of assets that can be very beneficial towards their future. Studies done by The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry That owning a pet can teach kids how to be more considerate towards others and it can improve their self confidence and self-esteem. Which can be a useful skill for kids who have anxiety. Owning a pet can clearly help a child have a positive development.

Another reason children should own a pet is because owning a pet can reduce the risk of allergies. Studies done by The national library of medicine show that having a pet can decrease the prevalence of allergic conditions later in life. This shows that owning a pet can decrease the chance of the child being sick. Studies done by The American academy about pediatrics suggests that children living with dogs had fewer respiratory tract infections during the first year of their lives. This shows that owning a pet can stop certain illnesses from affecting a child's everyday life. Owning a pet can help a child who struggles with allergies and different illnesses.

It's true that purchasing a pet can be a very expensive investment and taking care of a pet can be even more expensive but despite this there are benefits to owning a pet.

Owning a pet is the answer to a happy and successful childhood. Owning a pet teaches a child how to be responsible, caring and confident while also making a child's allergies more bearable in the future. Children must have a pet in order to have skills that will be necessary later in life.

Related Samples

Personal Literacy Narrative Essay
Benefits of Living in Houston Essay Example
The Effects of Divorce on Children's Mental Health
The Causes of Teen Suicide Essay Example
Homeschooling is it really the best option?
Free Argumentative Essay Example: College Education Should Be Free
Actions Speak Louder Than Words Essay Example
Essay About Fear in Literature
Narrative Essay about My Views
Goal of my Life Essay Example

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Advanced Search >

Family pets: Pros and cons for kids

Pets can be an important part of a family and have a big impact on a child. The decision to have or not have a pet can involve a lot of factors including timing, the kind of pet, and who will take responsibility for it. The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health asked a national sample of parents of children ages 5-18 about reasons to have or not have a family pet.

Two-thirds of parents (69%) report their family currently has a pet, and 16% say they had one in the past. The most common pets are dogs (76%), cats (41%), fish, birds, and reptiles (24%), and small mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs (9%).

Many factors go into deciding whether or not to have a family pet. Parents with pets endorse a number of reasons for children having a pet. The top reason rated as very important for children to have a pet is for fun and companionship (63%). Other reasons include that a pet would teach their child responsibility (57%), and parents themselves having a pet growing up and enjoying it (39%). Three in ten parents (30%) say it is very important to have a pet to provide protection for the family, and that their child wants a pet (31%).

In families that do not have pets, parents' top reasons rated as very important not to have a pet include: hassle of owning a pet (62%), family member with pet allergies (55%), cost of owning a pet (48%), that their child would not be responsible (43%), and having a pet would not be safe for their child (39%).

Parents indicate that responsibility for the care of a family pet can increase as a child gets older. The most common age at which parents say it is appropriate for a child to assume responsibility is 8 years for feeding the pet, 9 years for washing/brushing or cleaning up after the pet, and 10 years for walking or exercising the pet. Among parents with a family pet, 56% say their child always takes care of pet responsibilities, while 40% said their child sometimes is responsible.

About 1 in 6 parents (18%) say they would allow their child to receive a pet as a gift; 42% say no and 40% say they might allow it. Fifteen percent of parents have given their child a pet as a gift.

Parents' top reasons for having a family pet are fun/companionship and teaching children responsibility.
Parents' top reasons against having a family pet are hassle, allergies, and cost.
Only 1 in 6 parents would allow their child to receive a pet as a gift.

Implications

Most families at some point go through the process of deciding whether or not to get a pet. This Mott Poll found that there are a lot of issues parents find important in evaluating if and when a pet is right for their child.

Parents endorsed many potential advantages to their child in having a pet. Among these are the benefits of teaching their child a sense of responsibility. Caring for a pet can help kids learn the importance of being dependable in taking care of another living being. Pets can teach children valuable life lessons like reliability, trust, compassion, respect and patience.

However, the decision to have a pet needs to be weighed carefully. When thinking of which pet to add, parents should pick one that fits the lifestyle of the family. A fish or turtle will require less playtime than a cat or dog. If the family travels a lot, an animal that can be left at home with minimal care would be a good choice. Families that want to include a pet in active play or long walks might find a dog to be a perfect fit. If a family member has allergies, parents should choose pets that have minimal hair or dander.

Before getting a family pet, parents will want to consider the extent to which they expect children to have responsibility for the pet's care. An especially important consideration is what happens when the "newness" wears off or a puppy/kitten gets older. Some children may lose interest and not want to care for the pet over time.

Before bringing home a new pet, parents should discuss with their child the specifics of what their responsibilities will be. Pets require food, grooming, and exercise; the pet's cage, pen or other environment requires regular cleaning and upkeep. No matter how committed their child may seem at the time of getting a pet, parents will have to consider themselves to be the backup plan if their child cannot or does not continue to care for the pet over time.

It is also important for parents to have realistic expectations regarding how much children at different ages can reasonably be expected to contribute to the care of a pet. Most experts believe that children over 5 years old can begin to take on developmentally appropriate responsibilities with regard to the care of a pet, with parental supervision. Children under the age of 10 should not be expected to take care of a pet complete on their own.

Safety was mentioned by parents in this Mott Poll as both a reason for and against having a family pet. On one hand, dogs may deter intruders by barking, and often can be trained to be protective of children in the family. However, some dogs can be aggressive with little warning, resulting in injuries and even death to children. Parents who are considering a dog as a family pet may want to consult with a veterinarian or other expert to find out which breeds are appropriate for children. For the safety of both the child and the pet, children under the age of 4 should be supervised with pets at all times.

Only 1 in 6 parents in this Mott Poll would allow their child to receive a pet as a gift. There is a long tradition of giving pets as gifts for special occasions, but animal shelters are filled with "former pets" where a child either lost interest or did not have the ability to care for it responsibly. Individuals contemplating giving a pet as a gift to a child should be sure to talk with parents first, to make sure the parents agree that the child is ready for the responsibility of having a pet, and that the parent is willing to help. Parents may want to steer the gift-giver toward a pet whose cost and burden of care fits with the family's lifestyle. Surprising a child with the gift of a pet is unfair to the animal, the child, and the parents.

Data Source & Methods

This report presents findings from a nationally representative household survey conducted exclusively by Ipsos Public Affairs, LLC (Ipsos) for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. The survey was administered in August 2019 to a randomly selected, stratified group of adults who were parents of at least one child age 0-18 years living in their household (n=2,004). Adults were selected from Ipsos’s web-enabled KnowledgePanel® that closely resembles the U.S. population. The sample was subsequently weighted to reflect population figures from the Census Bureau. The survey completion rate was 60% among panel members contacted to participate. This report is based on responses from 1,712 parents who had at least one child age 5-18 years. The margin of error for results presented in this report is ±2 to 6 percentage points.

Findings from the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health do not represent the opinions of the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan reserves all rights over this material.

Freed GL, Singer DC, Schultz SL, Gebremariam A, Clark SJ. Family pets: Pros and cons for kids. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, University of Michigan. Vol 35, Issue 3, December 2019. Available at: https://mottpoll.org/reports/family-pets-pros-and-cons-kids .

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Pet — The Reasons Why You Need to Get a Pet

The Reasons Why You Need to Get a Pet

Categories: Pet

About this sample

Words: 475 |

Published: Oct 2, 2018

Words: 475 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 762 words

2 pages / 712 words

2 pages / 799 words

2 pages / 895 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Training a dog is a rewarding endeavor that requires patience, consistency, and understanding. As one of the most popular pets worldwide, dogs provide companionship, security, and even therapeutic benefits. However, to ensure a [...]

Throughout history, dogs have been known as man's best friend. They are loyal, loving, and provide companionship and security to their owners. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why dogs make great pets, including their [...]

American Pet Products Association. (2016). Pet Industry Market Size & Ownership Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/dog-saves-boy-cougar-attack

The relationship between humans and dogs stretches back thousands of years, fostering a unique companionship that has led to dogs becoming an integral part of many households. With the inclusion of dogs in the family unit, [...]

Dogs and cats are two of the most popular pets in the world. They both have their own unique characteristics and qualities that make them beloved companions to millions of people. In this essay, we will compare and contrast dogs [...]

Humanity has always had a particular relation with what is viewed as ‘exotic’; from the time frame where anglo-saxons maintained zoos for individuals of dark skin to the period of the 1800s, where elephants were highly desired [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

MSU Extension

The benefits of a family pet.

Tracy Trautner, Michigan State University Extension - December 14, 2017

There are many advantages to pet ownership, especially for young children.

There are many benefits to owning a pet. Pets teach children valuable life lessons like responsibility, trust, compassion, respect and patience. While pets offer a lot of benefits to kids, kids also have a lot to offer the pet in your family as well. Both kids and pets enjoy high energy play as well as having a cuddle buddy during nap time.

If your child asks for a pet, talk with them about responsibility and the permanency of owning a pet. When the “newness” wears off or the puppy/kitten gets older, will they still want to care for the animal? Have they expressed a consistent desire for a pet and understand it will need daily care up and above play time?

Set up and discuss what your child’s pet responsibilities will be ahead of time. Remember, no matter how committed they are at the time of getting a pet, you will have to consider yourself as the backup plan if and when they cannot or will not continue to care for the pet.

One of the major reasons, and an important life skill, for owning a pet is to teach responsibility. Pets require food, water and love. Many, some more than others, require exercise. They also require grooming (brushing develops large muscles of the arm) and bathroom time (walking the dog develops large muscles of your child’s legs and is good for the development of their heart, brain and lungs).

Children over 5 years old can have developmentally appropriate responsibilities in regards to the care of the pet. Children under the age of 4 should be monitored with pets at all times, and children under the age of 10 should not be expected to take care of a dog or cat completely on their own.

A second skill children learn is trust . A pet offers unconditional support when a child (or anyone) is sad, angry or upset. They can teach your child to trust the pet, themselves and build trust in other relationships as well.

Compassion is the third life skill developed. When a child takes care of a pet, they learn to be kind to others through taking care of their furry friend’s basic needs.

Bereavement. When a pet passes away, a child will learn about the grieving process.
Respect. Requiring gentle touching and learning about boundaries when the pet is eating and sleeping will develop respect for others in young children, which is a difficult skill to learn at a young age.
Self-esteem. When pets show unconditional love, it boosts a child’s self-esteem. Being responsible also develops self-esteem in young children.
Loyalty. Pets are very loyal and a good example of how to treat others that are important to the child and family.
Physical activity. Walking and throwing a ball is great exercise.
Patience. Sometimes bonding with a pet takes time, as well as teaching tricks and learning good behavior.
Social Skills. Pets are great in helping “break the ice.” On outings, dogs encourage conversations with others and will improve a child’s social skills.
Motivation. Because of all the skills pet ownership provides, young children have a reduced risk of allergies and better grades at school because kids develop internal motivation while caring for their animals.
Empathy. Children growing up with a pet do so with more empathy towards animals and more empathy in general.

Research shows children who live in homes with a dog can possibly have fewer ear infections and respiratory tract infections and require fewer antibiotics, perhaps because the exposure to animals at a young age stimulates the immune system. Research found in the Time article, “ Why Dogs and Cats Make Babies Healthier ,” indicates that exposure to pet dander could prime babies’ still-developing immune systems and be able to fend off common allergens and bugs. Young children’s immune systems are more capable of facing them. Kids with a dog did better than those with a cat. The exposure has to happen very early in life. More information can also be found in the CBS News article, “ Babies with dogs less likely to develop colds, ear infections as infants .”

To learn about the positive impact children and families experience due to MSU Extension programs, read our 2016 impact report: “ Preparing young children for success ” and “ Preparing the future generation for success .” Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension positively impacted individuals and communities in 2016, can be downloaded from the Michigan 4-H website .

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters . To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

Early childhood development resources for early childhood professionals.

Check out the Animal Science B.S. program!

new - method size: 3 - Random key: 0, method: tagSpecific - key: 0

You Might Also Be Interested In

AC3 podcast Episode #4

Published on August 31, 2021

MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: Reduced Lignin alfalfa

Published on April 7, 2021

Hemp Pollination Considerations

Published on March 18, 2020

Introducing the MSU Ag and Wildlife Podcast

Published on September 16, 2021

Talking Total Farmer Health with MSU Extension's farm stress educator Remington Rice

Published on November 10, 2023

MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: The impact of ketosis on mastitis

Published on April 6, 2021

4-h animal science
4-h companion animals
animal science
child & family development
children and youth
early childhood development
healthy youth
life skills
managing relationships
msu extension
4-h animal science,
4-h companion animals,
animal science,
caregiving,
child & family development,
children and youth,
early childhood development,
healthy youth,
life skills,
managing relationships,

Essay Service Examples Life Pets

Benefits of Having a Pet

Proper editing and formatting
Free revision, title page, and bibliography
Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

Cite this paper

Most popular essays

The United States is home to a large variety of incredible activities and events for families,...

Pets that are obese is a growing concern and suffer from various diseases just like the humans...

Why keep buying while those in shelters are dying? Millions of animals find themselves surrendered...

I’m absolutely certain that dogs are the best pet to get and here’s why. If you are ever feeling...

These days many families have pets in their households. Our pets are an extension of our family...

The most possible reason for the low prevalence of high blood pressure among pet owners is the...

Despite the many arguments that a vast number of people will make that dogs cannot be man's best...

Biologists and philosophers have observed animal behavior for centuries. However, in the last...

Have you ever had to share bed space with a Golden Retriever? Or what about a little puppy? Dogs...

Join our 150k of happy users

Get original paper written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

svg]:stroke-accent-900">

The fuzzy science on whether your pet is actually good for you

By Michael Schulson/Undark

Posted on Jun 24, 2024 10:18 AM EDT

9 minute read

This article was originally featured on Undark .

For more than a decade, in blog posts and scientific papers and public talks, the psychologist Hal Herzog has questioned whether owning pets makes people happier and healthier.

It is a lonely quest, convincing people that puppies and kittens may not actually be terrific for their physical and mental health. “When I talk to people about this,” Herzog recently said, “nobody believes me.” A prominent professor at a major public university once described him as “a super curmudgeon” who is, in effect, “trying to prove that apple pie causes cancer.”

As a teenager in New Jersey in the 1960s, Herzog kept dogs and cats, as well as an iguana, a duck, and a boa constrictor named Boa. Now a professor emeritus at Western Carolina University, he insists he’s not out to smear anyone’s furry friends. In a blog post questioning the so-called pet effect, in 2012, Herzog included a photo of his cat, Tilly. “She makes my life better,” he wrote. “Please Don’t Blame The Messenger!”

Plenty of people believe there’s something salubrious about caring for a pet, similar to eating veggies or exercising regularly. But, Herzog argues, the scientific evidence that pets can consistently make people healthier is, at best, inconclusive — and, at worst, has been used to mislead the American public.

Few, if any, experts say Herzog is exactly wrong — at least about the science. Over the past 30 or so years, researchers have published hundreds of studies exploring a link between pet ownership and a range of hypothesized benefits, including improved heart health, longer lifespans, and lower rates of anxiety and depression.

The results have been mixed. Studies often fail to find any robust link between pets and human well-being; some even find evidence of harms. In many cases, the studies simply can’t determine whether pets cause the observed effect or are simply correlated with it.

Where Herzog and some other experts have concerns is with the way those mixed results have been packaged and sold to the public. Tied up in that critique are pointed questions about the role of industry money on the development of a small field — a trend that happens across scientific endeavors, particularly those that don’t garner much attention from federal agencies, philanthropies, and other funding sources.

The scientific evidence that pets can consistently make people healthier is, at best, inconclusive — and, at worst, has been used to mislead the American public, Herzog argues.

The pet care industry has invested millions of dollars in human-animal interaction research, mostly since the late 2000s. Feel-good findings have been trumpeted by industry press releases and, in turn, dominated news coverage, with headlines like “How Dogs Help Us Lead Longer, Healthier Lives.”

At times, industry figures have even framed pet ownership as a kind of public health intervention. “Everybody should quit smoking. Everybody should go to the gym. Everybody should eat more fruits and vegetables. And everyone should own a pet,” said Steven Feldman, president of the industry-funded Human Animal Bond Research Institute, in a 2015 podcast interview.

The problem with that kind of argument, Herzog and other experts say, is that it gets out ahead of the evidence (and that not every person is equipped to care for a pet). “Most studies,” said Herzog, “do not show the pattern of results that the pet products industry claims.”

It seems safe to say that most people don’t get a dog in order to marginally lower their odds of developing heart disease. Pet effect research falls into a strange family of science that measures the practical health outcomes of things people typically do for decidedly non-practical-health-related reasons, like get married or have children .

At the same time, there’s evidence — much of it anecdotal — that at least some people are cognizant of the potential health benefits when choosing to get a pet. And the idea makes intuitive sense to many people, who say their animals are good for their well-being. Concurrently, hospitals and nonprofits have rolled out programs that aim to use therapy dogs and support animals to improve people’s mental health.

James Serpell began studying the pet effect in the early 1980s, as a young animal behavior researcher. At the time, spending on pets was rising in the United States; people were beginning to treat pets more like family members. But there was little research on people’s relationships with their animals. “Why are we doing this?” Serpell wondered. “What’s it all about?”

In an influential 1991 paper comparing non-pet-owners with people who had recently adopted an animal, he supplied some of the first published data suggesting that new pet owners experienced a measurable reduction in minor health problems. New dog owners also pursued more physical activity, compared to people who had cats or no pets at all.

In the decades since, researchers have published dozens of studies comparing pet owners to non-pet-owners. The results are mixed — sometimes pointing toward health benefits, and sometimes not.

Some of that data may reflect the realities of human-animal relationships — which, like any other kind of relationship, can vary for all sorts of reasons. “It doesn’t mean that my lived experience or anyone else’s lived experience is wrong,” said Megan Mueller, a human-animal interaction expert at Tufts University. “What it means is that it’s different for different people.”

For some people, she said, having a pet can bring stressors . The caretaking responsibilities may be too taxing; the pet may exacerbate family tensions or trigger allergies; the owner may be unable to afford pet food or veterinary care.

The results, some experts say, are also muddied by longstanding issues with research methods. The problem is that there are differences between the people who choose to own pets and the people who don’t.

“What happens is we try to compare people with pets, to people without pets, and then we say, ‘People with pets have X, Y, and Z differences.’ It actually is a really invalid way of approaching the research question,” said Kerri Rodriguez, who directs the Human-Animal Bond Lab at the University of Arizona. A study finding that cat owners are more likely to be depressed, for example, may be picking up on a real connection. But it could just be that people already experiencing depression are likelier to get cats.

Some of the data may reflect the realities of human-animal relationships — which, like any other kind of relationship, can vary for all sorts of reasons.

Today, Rodriguez mostly studies service animals, especially for veterans at risk for PTSD. In this context, it’s possible to conduct randomized trials — for example, randomly choosing who will get a support animal now, and who will go onto a waitlist to get a companion animal later. Some research on service dogs — including a recent controlled, but not randomized, trial that Rodriguez was involved with — has shown clear benefits.

How much those benefits apply to typical pet owners, experts say, is unclear. And it’s hampered by the inability to conduct those kinds of randomized trials. (“You can’t randomize people to pet ownership,” said Rodriguez.)

Rodriguez said she’s interested in studies that track the association between human-pet relationships and health metrics over time, checking in with people again and again and collecting larger amounts of data. One such study, for example, found a slower rate of executive decline among older pet owners.

Serpell, after his 1991 study, largely moved on to other research questions. “I basically concluded that this type of research was too difficult,” he said. “And even if you did it, the results you would get would always be questionable.”

Those doubts have not deterred interest in the field from the companies that lead the pet industry, which is today valued globally at more than $300 billion.

Almost from the start, the quest to understand the pet effect has been entangled with industry money. Serpell’s earliest work was funded by what is now known as the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, a division of Mars, Inc., which owns a portfolio of pet food and veterinary care brands in addition to its famous candy business. “There was no other source of funding, really,” recalled Serpell, who’s now an emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “Nobody else was willing to put money into this field.”

In 2008, Mars entered a partnership with the National Institutes of Health in order to spur more research into animal-human interactions. In the first year, the pet product provider ponied up $250,000, while the federal government supplied $1.75 million. (The NIH partnership ended in 2022, although Mars continues to underwrite research on pets and human health.)

Almost from the start, the quest to understand the pet effect has been entangled with industry money.

In 2010, a group of pet industry heavyweights launched the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, or HABRI. Key funders have included Petco, Purina, and Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceuticals firm. “Pets and animals make the world a better place, and we’re going to use science to prove it,” said founding director Steven Feldman in a 2014 talk at a conference for pet bloggers.

The nonprofit has spent more than $3 million funding research on human-animal interactions. Companies also directly fund university research: One prominent research lab at the University of Arizona — separate from Rodriguez’s research group — includes a sponsor page on its website featuring the logos of Nestle Purina, Mars Pet Care, veterinary drugmaker Elanco, and other pet product companies.

“Funding from the pet industry has transformed the field, and without it, we would not have the science that we have,” said Mueller. (Like Serpell and Rodriguez, Mueller has received industry funding for some of her research.)

Did that funding shape the field’s findings? “I think it has largely been done in a really ethical way,” said Mueller. She and Rodriguez both said they had never felt pressure to produce a particular result. Waltham, when it entered the partnership with NIH, gave up the right to select who would get the funding. Industry-funded studies have found — and published — results suggesting little benefit from pets.

“I really think that field has done a good job of publishing a lot of findings that are maybe not what people would expect,” said Mueller.

Herzog said he has seen little evidence that industry money has changed the science. Mostly, he said, “they’ve funded pretty good studies.” But there are ways it can change the field. “It’s always been a source of great ambivalence, I think, for everybody involved,” said Serpell. “You try and work around it, by getting whoever funds the work to stay off your back and let you do the work, and if they don’t like the results, that probably means the next time you apply to them for funding, you won’t get it.”

The funding can shape the questions that the field asks — or avoids. “Industry-funded studies tend to produce results that favor the sponsor’s interest,” said Marion Nestle, an emeritus professor at New York University who has spent decades studying corporate influence on science. Sponsors influence what gets studied, Nestle said, and they select for studies that they think will produce positive results. And, she said, research suggests sponsorship can shape the way results are interpreted — often without researchers being aware of the influence at all.

Controlling the focus of the research can also steer scientists away from certain topics entirely. “For obvious reason, these companies don’t wish to draw attention to the darker side of the human-pet relationship,” said Serpell, referring to research areas such as dog bites.

In a recent Zoom interview, Feldman, the HABRI president, said funders “can tell us what kind of things they’re hoping to see,” and the organization will try to accommodate those requests. “But then, once the process of funding a project begins, there’s absolutely no influence there whatsoever.”

Research suggests that sponsorship can shape the way results are interpreted — often without researchers being aware of the influence at all.

HABRI embraces negative results, or those that don’t show a clear effect from pet ownership, and not just positive findings, Feldman said. But, he acknowledged, they may choose to emphasize positive results. “We try and be very true to the science, but if we take a slightly more optimistic view as to the body of work than researchers who take a different perspective, I think that helps generate a lot of positive behavior in the real world.”

Herzog, Feldman suggested, was making a name for himself with naysaying — in ways that, perhaps, sometimes defy common sense. A 2021 HABRI survey found that nearly 9 in 10 pet owners report that their pets benefit their mental health. “I kind of think pet owners might be on to something,” Feldman said.

Herzog agrees that having a pet can have real benefits. At the end of a recent conversation, he reflected on his cat, Tilly, who died in 2022. She used to watch TV with him in the evenings, and she would curl up on a rocking chair in his basement office while he worked. The benefits of their relationship, Herzog said, were real but perhaps hard to measure — among the intangible qualities that are difficult to capture on research surveys.

“If you’d asked me, ‘Did Tilly improve the quality of your life?’ I’d say absolutely,” he said. “My health? Nah.”

Latest in Science

Giant lizards could keep flesh-eating maggots off australia’s sheep giant lizards could keep flesh-eating maggots off australia’s sheep.

By Laura Baisas

Future lunar bases could be built with LEGO moon bricks Future lunar bases could be built with LEGO moon bricks

By Andrew Paul

Home » General

7 Reasons Why Every Child Should Have A Pet

April 26th is national kids and pets day learn how having a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or horse is beneficial to your child's health..

April 26th is National Kids and Pets Day, a great opportunity to celebrate the bond between your children and their pets. Most of us have fond memories of growing up with a family pet, and we know they enriched our lives in so many ways. So it’s no surprise that having a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or horse, improves our social and physical development, and can be good for our health, too! So when your child begs for a puppy for his birthday, you might want to consider these seven benefits of having a family pet:

7 ReasonsWhy Every Child Should Have A Pet

1. Love and Valued Relationships A childhood pet is often our first and best friend. Pets teach us how to develop close, relational bonds with those that we spend the most time with. Positive interaction with a pet helps children form good social skills.

Dogs consistently demonstrate unconditional love to their family of humans. They are happy to see us and enjoy being with us whether we’re relaxing in front of the fireplace, enjoying an ice cream cone, or going for a jog.

Cats have their own way of showing affection. While they might not jump up and down and wag their tails, they too are emotional creatures that form close attachments. They demonstrate their love in more subtle ways. Cats also enjoy companionship by curling up in your lap, lying near when you’re reading or working at the computer, or following you on a walk.

2. Science Lessons of Life Witnessing the miracle of an animal’s birth is an enriching experience. Children learn visually and physically about the stages of development and the complete life cycle. They see firsthand the vulnerability of newborn animals, and what is needed for their survival. They learn how essential proper nourishment, protection, and care is for an animal to grow and thrive. Whether it’s watching a new foal, lamb, or kid stand on its wobbly legs for the first time, a mother cat clean and nurse her kittens, a butterfly emerge from its cocoon, or a chick peck its way out of an egg, we see what it takes for young creatures to enter the world and what is necessary for them to thrive.

3. Responsibility Learning to care for a family pet helps children develop responsibility. There’s no better way for children to learn that pets depend on us than to have them take an active role in their care. Filling the pet’s bowl with fresh water or food helps children become consistent in performing important, routine tasks.

4. Nurturing While feeding and caring for their pet, your child can learn to openly practice nurturing skills. In families with no younger siblings, having a pet provides an opportunity for the child to show tenderness and carefulness that they might not otherwise have the chance to demonstrate.

5. Confidence Assisting in the care of a pet helps children to feel a sense of accomplishment. Studies have shown that children with pets have a higher level of confidence than those without pets.

6. Physical Activity Owning a dog encourages us to walk daily, and to be more active. Thus, it is no surprise that dog owners especially were found to be 54% more likely to get the recommended amount of physical exercise.

7. A Health Boost Interaction with pets has a positive impact on our health at every age. It helps reduce stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and lessens the risk of heart disease. Children’s health greatly benefits as well. Infants and children living in homes with pets (especially dogs and cats) have a stronger immune function, and thus have lower risks of ear infections and respiratory tract infections than children in non-pet households. Researchers comparing children’s school attendance records found that those in pet-free homes on the average missed more school days per year than those with pets.

While there are many benefits to owning a pet, weigh the pros and cons before you bring a puppy or kitten home. Make sure that the pet you choose is a good fit for your location, your lifestyle, and the members of your household. It is important to convey the joy of loving and caring for a new pet to your child. Demonstrate the tasks and exhibit the behaviors you want your child to mirror. Your presence and guidance will help your child gain confidence and success as they begin playing, feeding and caring for their new pet.

And for those allergic to fur or feathers, there are still lots of other options like hermit crabs, butterflies, lizards, fish, and more!

Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living, healthy lifestyle writer and author of 7 non-fiction books, including Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home, Pearls of Country Wisdom: Hints from a Small Town on Keeping Garden and Home, and Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. Tukua has been a writer for the Farmers' Almanac since 2004.

The dog and cat! They’re so cute!

It’s disappointing to see “Science Lessons of Life” as one of the reasons. As a volunteer and foster for an animal rescue organization, I receive lists of animals each week that are going to be euthanized because people don’t spay and neuter their animals. Unfortunately, we can only select a small portion of the animals on those lists to save. Perhaps we should show our children the animals that don’t make it out of the shelters alive so the next generation can grow up to be responsible adults.

Hi Nicole, you bring up a good point about animal overpopulation, which is a terrible problem. We, too, agree that animals need to be spayed and neutered. But we can’t deny every part of the life cycle, from humans to animals, is a teaching moment for children and those lessons are a part of what makes them responsible adults.

Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life.

Enter your email address to receive our free newsletter.

Email Address *

Why Every Child Should Have a Pet: Life Lessons for Little Ones

Our child’s first pet is a huge deal. As parents, we need to put a lot of careful thought into introducing any critters into the family dynamic. When my children were little, our house could easily been mistaken for Dr. Doolittle’s had it not been for the absence of one large pink snail.

There is a lot to be said for having a pet already established in the home when our little ones are born. But having older animals with new babes can present a whole other set of problems – like introducing your critter to your newborn.

But what about when your kids are a little bigger and they’re yearning for their own creature companion? Pets aren’t just a great opportunity for our children to experience the thrill of having a playmate. Being the caretaker of a pet can also teach our little people some valuable life lessons.

Responsibility

The main reason our children’s first starter pets are typically goldfish or hamsters is so that they can be introduced to the concept of responsibility. Small animals are perfect learning pets for children because they don’t require the same kind of attention that bigger pets, like dogs and cats, do. Pocket pets require simple tasks for their well-being. Kids can easily take on the responsibility so that their first pet is truly theirs – and not just another responsibility for mom or dad .

From having pets, my own children acquired a sense of responsibility that trickled over to other parts of their lives like homework and chores. They would breathlessly burst through the door after school, and get right to their chores and schoolwork so that they could finish and play with their furry pals. Of course, they were not as thrilled to clean their cages, but overtime they learned that everything comes with a price (hence another good lesson).

Gentleness and compassion

We know only too well how rough our little people can sometimes be – as if they don’t even know their own strength. All the broken toys attest to that fact. Small pets teach our children the importance of being gentle with their little creatures. And this lesson, in turn, positively affects other relationships, including how they relate to friends and siblings.

When my youngest child accidentally squeezed her hamster, Moe, too hard, we feared the worst. She wailed hysterically as I tried frantically to breathe life back into the poor little guy. Thankfully we were able to resurrect Moe who went on to live another two years. After that close call, my little one walked around, gently holding him and cooing words of kindness and compassion. It was quite beautiful.

Better health

Studies have shown, time and time again, how powerfully healing animals can be to their humans. I remember being sick as a little girl and my dog never left my side. My mother said that he even refused to eat. To this day, I still remember how comforting it felt to have his wet nose pressed up against my hand and to experience such unconditional love.

Our children’s pets can also be an incredible stress release, creating a safe harbor for them when they begin to face the challenges and complexities of growing up. Pets simply don't have an agenda. They couldn’t care less whether or not we had a bad day, they are just happy to get (and give!) some love and attention at the end of a long, lonely day.

Studies show that chemicals are released in our brains when we anticipate seeing our pets or when we think about stroking, holding, and hugging them. They calm us and give us a sense of acceptance and unconditional love. There is a reason that 70-80 million Americans own dogs and another 74-96 million own cats.

If you believe that your child is mature enough to tackle the responsibility of a pet, begin small with a low-maintenance starter pet like a goldfish or a lizard. Remember to take it slow and set limits with how many pets they are allowed. Otherwise one day, you may just find yourself with a big, pink snail living in your backyard.

Are you thinking about getting a pet for your little one? What creature do you have your sights set on?

https://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/the-health-benefits-of-pets.htm

No Comments.

Chores for Children: Big Benefits…

Should Your Child Get an Allowance?

Learn Healthy Habits at Your Local…

9 Great Ways to Teach Your Kids…

Teaching Kids about Safety . .…

Ideas by Age

5 Reasons Why Your Kids Should…

Create ideabook.

Create new ideabook and upload images.

Add To Ideabook

Add to existing ideabook or create a new.

Select Group

Welcome back.

Don’t have an account yet? JOIN NOW

Reset Password

Create an account.

Already have an account? Sign in

(Enter between 6-12 characters and/or numbers)

Submit a Story

Publish Content

Invite friends.

Ask your friends to join you on The Instillery!

(Please Separate Multiple Email Addresses With A Comma)

Get Reviews

Invite loyal customers to rave about your business.

Entertainment
Environment
Information Science and Technology
Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Life Dog

Why Dogs are the Best Pets: Exploting Persuasive Arguments

Table of contents, unconditional love and loyalty, stress relief and emotional support, encouragement of physical activity, enhanced social interactions, protection and security.

Odendaal, J. S. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy—Magic or medicine? Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 49(4), 275-280.
Anderson, W. P., & Reid, C. M. (1992). The short-term effects of pet therapy on the elderly. Gerontology, 38(6), 307-310.
Wood, L., Martin, K., Christian, H., Nathan, A., Lauritsen, C., Houghton, S., ... & McCune, S. (2015). The pet factor—Companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support. PLoS ONE, 10(4), e0122085.
Wells, D. L. (2009). The effects of animals on human health and well-being. Journal of Social Issues, 65(3), 523-543.
Nagasawa, M., Mogi, K., & Kikusui, T. (2009). Attachment between humans and dogs. Japanese Psychological Research, 51(3), 209-221.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

Driving Age
Role Models

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Share full article

Supported by

Are We Loving Our Pets to Death?

Pet owners are treating their animal charges ever more like humans. But that isn’t good for pets, or for us, many experts argue.

By Linda Baker

Pets are more popular than ever. Roughly two-thirds of American homes have at least one pet, up from 56 percent in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association , and Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, up from $123.6 billion in 2021. An estimated 91 million households in Europe own at least one pet, an increase of 20 million over the past decade. The pet population in India hit 31 million in 2021, up from 10 million in 2011.

And our pets are becoming ever more like us — or at least, that seems to be our goal. We pamper them with customized nutrition plans and knapsack carriers, dog hydrotherapy and stays in boutique cat hotels. At All the Best, a high-end pet store chain in Seattle, the most popular items are feline and canine enrichment toys, d esigned to stimulate them and bring happiness to animals that increasingly “are lying around alone and bored,” said Annie McCall, the chain’s marketing director.

Now some animal welfare ethicists and veterinary scientists are wondering if, in our efforts to humanize our pets, we’ve gone too far. The more we treat pets like people, they argue, the more constrained and dependent on us our pets’ lives have become, and the more health and behavioral issues our pets develop.

“We now view pets not only as family members but as equivalent to children,” said James Serpell, an emeritus professor of ethics and animal welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “The problem is, dogs and cats are not children, and owners have become increasingly protective and restrictive. So animals are not able to express their own doggy and catty natures as freely as they might.”

The health risks begin with breeding, of course. One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States is the French bulldog , a member of the brachycephalic family of flat-faced dogs that bond well with people but have trouble breathing, among other severe health problems.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

COMMENTS

Benefits of Having a Pet: [Essay Example], 425 words
Furthermore, owning a pet can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and ...
Essay on Having a Pet
Psychological Benefits. Research has indicated that having a pet can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mental health. The simple act of petting an animal can trigger the release of endorphins, creating a sense of calm and happiness. Furthermore, pets can alleviate feelings of loneliness, providing a sense of purpose and companionship.
15 reasons why having a pet is good for you and your family
Owning a pet can help reduce stress you're feeling amid the pandemic. According to studies, spending time with your pet can trigger an increased level of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone ...
Why Should Kids Have Pets: 8 Evidence-Based Reasons
Pets can teach social skills. Companion animals can be emotionally supportive and present with kids, but they also need things in return, such as love and care. That's why they can help the ...
The Power of Pets
The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits from an animal? And which type of pet brings health benefits?
Why Do We Have Pets?
Our interactions with animals can be useful models for understanding how issues of identity, nurturing, support and attachment play out in a relationship. "It's all about human psychology ...
Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children
According to Brayfield (41), keeping of pets help in promoting physical exercise of children. In the current society where technology defines the social life of human beings, children have become addicted to indoor games played in computer. The computer games have eliminated the physical games like skiing, riding, jogging, and even football ...
Why Children Should Have Pets. A persuasive essay on the ...
Pets would give children a perfect solution to this, since pets give good company, help make children responsible and improve the child's health. They provide good company, especially to only children. Caring for and feeding pets makes children responsible. Kids with pets get more physical activity, and are healthier than ever.
Should Every Child Own A Pet? Free Essay Example
Owning a pet can clearly help a child have a positive development. Another reason children should own a pet is because owning a pet can reduce the risk of allergies. Studies done by The national library of medicine show that having a pet can decrease the prevalence of allergic conditions later in life. This shows that owning a pet can decrease ...
Exploring Why Every Child Should Have a Pet
Table of contents. Every child should have a pet as a furry friend can contribute significantly to a child's development and well-being. The bond between a child and their pet fosters valuable life skills, emotional growth, and a sense of responsibility. This essay delves into the benefits of pet ownership for children, the lessons they learn ...
Family pets: Pros and cons for kids
The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health asked a national sample of parents of children ages 5-18 about reasons to have or not have a family pet. Two-thirds of parents (69%) report their family currently has a pet, and 16% say they had one in the past. The most common pets are dogs (76%), cats (41%), fish, birds, and ...
Persuasive Essay On Owning A Pet
In my opinion, I think that everyone should have a pet of their own because they can improve health, can provide entertainment, and create a special friendship or companionship with its owner. (6) First, owning a pet can give people some major health benefits. Without a pet, a day at work or school can be stressful.
The Reasons Why You Need to Get a Pet
A pet motivates you and their company helps you move on through life bettering your situation. Pets are your best friends, they are part of your family and more than ever apart of your life. They are what make you frustrated most of the time though they make you happy and reflect on your position in life. This essay was reviewed by.
The benefits of a family pet
Children over 5 years old can have developmentally appropriate responsibilities in regards to the care of the pet. Children under the age of 4 should be monitored with pets at all times, and children under the age of 10 should not be expected to take care of a dog or cat completely on their own. A second skill children learn is trust. A pet ...
PDF Every child should have a pet By: Kylie C.
Every child should have a pet By: Kylie C. The hand reaches for the golden door nob on a deep brown door. As the hand turns the ... essays, book reports, projects, homework, and so much more. School is meant to make children responsible and be committed to things as a human. If a child has a pet and takes care of their
Benefits of Having a Pet
Thus, I believe that by having a pet in your life can help contribute to the happiness as well, and they can even provide assistance to the ill and socially isolated. Having a pet is a literal walk in the park, especially if you have a dog. Owning a pet is surely quite a task, almost like taking care of a baby. A forever baby.
The fuzzy science on whether your pet is actually good for you
And everyone should own a pet," said Steven Feldman, president of the industry-funded Human Animal Bond Research Institute, in a 2015 podcast interview. ... 'People with pets have X, Y, and Z ...
7 Reasons Why Every Child Should Have A Pet
7 ReasonsWhy Every Child Should Have A Pet. 1. Love and Valued Relationships. A childhood pet is often our first and best friend. Pets teach us how to develop close, relational bonds with those that we spend the most time with. Positive interaction with a pet helps children form good social skills.
Why Every Child Should Have a Pet: Life Lessons for Little Ones
Small pets teach our children the importance of being gentle with their little creatures. And this lesson, in turn, positively affects other relationships, including how they relate to friends and siblings. When my youngest child accidentally squeezed her hamster, Moe, too hard, we feared the worst. She wailed hysterically as I tried ...
Persuasive speech essay
Physicians say that a human should get some sort of exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, whether its walking, running, or lifting weights. People with dogs feel inclined to take their pet for a walk; this allows those people to get outside and walk at some point and time every day.
Everyone Should Have a Pet
I believe that in every family with children there should have at least one pet at their house. This pet could be a house animal like a cat or dog or it could be a farm animal like a horse. I believe this because while I have been growing up I have always had some sort of pet, mainly a dog. Having a pet has taught me lots of things but the main ...
Argumentative Essay on Why You Should Own a Pet
Why to have a pet. Why not to have a pet. 1. Happiness is the key one of benefits of having a pet: 1. Happiness can easily fade when the time for a vet comes - not all people are morally ready for pet surgery or other veterinary treatment: 2. Supporting your mental health makes you physically easier: 2. Defending animal rights is morally challenging and can cost you your health either
Why Dogs are the Best Pets: Exploting Persuasive Arguments
In this essay, I will present compelling reasons why dogs are undeniably the best pets, highlighting their positive impact on our physical and emotional well-being. Unconditional Love and Loyalty. Dogs are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. They have an innate ability to form deep emotional bonds with their human ...
Are We Loving Our Pets to Death?
Roughly two-thirds of American homes have at least one pet, up from 56 percent in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association, and Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022 ...
5 Of The Best Apps Every Pet Owner Should Have Installed
If you've a pet cat or dog, these apps can help take some of the stress off in looking after them, from getting supplies to keeping an eye on them.

Essay on Having a Pet

100 Words Essay on Having a Pet

The Joy of Having Pets

Health Benefits of Pets

250 Words Essay on Having a Pet

Psychological Benefits

Physical Health and Well-being

Teaching Responsibility and Empathy

500 Words Essay on Having a Pet

Physical Health Advantages

Life Skills Acquired

The Challenges of Pet Ownership

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

15 reasons why having a pet is good for you and your family

Having a pet can improve your mood.

Pets can also improve your social life.

If you're looking for love, a pet can help with that, too.

And if you're in a relationship, a pet can make you both happier and less stressed.

Owning a pet can make you a better person.

Bringing your pet to work can boost your morale and help control your stress levels.

Pets can also help you unwind after a long day at work.

Having a pet nearby, especially a dog, can make you feel more secure.

You always have someone to snuggle with on cold nights.

Whether it's taking them for a walk or doing yoga, pets can make you more physically active.

You'll find immeasurable joy in playing fetch with your dog, or teaching your pet tricks.

While they're not as fluffy as cats or dogs, birds like parrots can be life-long companions.

Owning a pet can help your child's learning.

A pet can also teach your child about responsibility.

Pets can also be the inspiration for great creative works.

Search form

The Power of Pets

Possible Health Effects

Animals Helping People

Helping Each Other

Popular Stories

Why Do We Have Pets?

On supporting science journalism

Inborn Attraction?

Friends with Benefits

Animal Antics

Pets Keeping: Benefits for Children Essay

Introduction

Should Every Child Own A Pet? Free Essay Example

Related Samples

Family pets: Pros and cons for kids

Implications

The Reasons Why You Need to Get a Pet

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Still can’t find what you need?

Related Topics

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

MSU Extension

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

AC3 podcast Episode #4

MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: Reduced Lignin alfalfa

Hemp Pollination Considerations

Introducing the MSU Ag and Wildlife Podcast

Talking Total Farmer Health with MSU Extension's farm stress educator Remington Rice

MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: The impact of ketosis on mastitis

Benefits of Having a Pet

Cite this paper

Related articles

Most popular essays

Join our 150k of happy users

The fuzzy science on whether your pet is actually good for you

Latest in Science

Future lunar bases could be built with LEGO moon bricks Future lunar bases could be built with LEGO moon bricks

7 Reasons Why Every Child Should Have A Pet

7 ReasonsWhy Every Child Should Have A Pet

Deborah Tukua

Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life.

Why Every Child Should Have a Pet: Life Lessons for Little Ones

Responsibility

Gentleness and compassion

Better health

Chores for Children: Big Benefits…

Should Your Child Get an Allowance?

Learn Healthy Habits at Your Local…