While many people who consider adopting a pet think that they are changing an animal’s life for the better, having a pet can have just as much of a positive impact on them and their families. 

If you are debating on adopting a pet, here are 6 reasons why you should go for it: 

1. They are great for your well being 

 It should come as no surprise that having a pet can significantly affect your mental and physical health. 

According to research, interaction with animals can significantly reduce the effects of mental health issues such as: 

PTSD (Post Traumatic stress disorder)

Some doctors who recommend animal therapy often believe that it works because animals can provide a more profound connection than human to human ones and provide a less stressful avenue to physical touch, especially in cases of abuse.  

Anxiety and Depression

When you stroke, play or talk to your pet, your brain releases oxytocin (also dubbed “the love hormone”), dopamine, and serotonin (chemicals that make you calm and happy)

Pets such as dogs enjoy a lot of play; walking or playing outdoor games like fetch with your dog can have tremendous benefits for your body. Studies have shown that people that played with their pets daily recorded the following: 

• Healthier weight 
• Lower blood pressure 
• Improved heart health 

Introducing a pet into your child’s life during their developmental years is a great confidence booster and teaches them a lot about responsibility. 

A pet can play an integral part in your child’s learning; for example, a child who might not feel comfortable reading aloud to people may feel more confident reading to a pet as they feel less under pressure with their furry best friend. 

Young children can assist in feeding, grooming, or bathing your family pet, thus giving them a sense of achievement. Having a pet also teaches a child empathy toward animals and others.

The drug company Novartis Animal Health carried out an IGA antibody test (antibodies that fight infection in the immune system) on the saliva of 138 children, and the results reflected that children with pets were able to resist diseases and allergies far better than those without pets.

3. Security 

From time immemorial, animals and humans have worked hand in paw to support each other in several ways. Dogs, especially bigger ones like great Danes, Boerboels, German shepherds, and rottweilers, are usually amongst the most popularly selected to guard a home as they are pretty territorial. This is not to say that smaller dogs aren’t, in fact, smaller dogs display great courage and can be equally territorial when threatened.

4. Adopting a pet saves you money 

Pets adopted from shelters are probably already vaccinated, spayed, or neutered. These procedures can be pretty costly; therefore, you will save much more than buying a pet from a store. 

Another way adoption is cheaper is that most animals are already house trained and acclimatized to living with humans. Some animals end up in shelters perhaps because their families had to move and could not take them along, so they are still good pets and need love and care again. 

Choosing which pet to pick for you and /or your family is much broader in a shelter. Most Shelters are full, giving you a variety of species, breeds, sizes, and ages to choose from. 

5. Pets can increase your social interaction 

Pet lovers are most likely to socialize with each other. 

A recent study noted that people with dogs have more social interactions when out with their animals than people who don’t own pets. 

6. You could save a life

Unfortunately, so many shelters euthanize animals to make room for more. Adopting from your local shelter means, not only can you save its life, but you make space for other animals to have a chance at adoption. 

Before Adopting a Pet; Are you ready? 

Now that you have 6 great reasons to adopt a pet, here are some questions you must ask yourself:

 Are you promising forever? 

Having a pet is a long-term commitment; treating it as you would any other family member should be the attitude when you invite a pet into your home—the average large dog lives for about 12 years, and smaller dogs even up to 15yrs. Cats have amazingly long-life spans, some up to 20 years! 

Do you have the time? 

As mentioned before, your new pet is your family member. Therefore, you need to provide the proper care for it. Besides spending time and playing with the animal, there are other factors you must consider, such as their hygiene, training, and health checks. These factors are crucial for your pet’s mental and physical well-being. 

Is your house pet friendly?

While smaller pets like birds, hamsters, Guinea pigs, and the like don’t require too much space, larger animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, etc., need a considerable amount of space to exercise. It is essential to consider the requirements your pet needs in and around your home for their comfort. 

Are there other pets? 

One other factor to consider when adopting a pet, is having other pets. It is essential to consider whether your resident pet will be comfortable with your new pet. Some dogs, for example, might feel displaced or threatened by his or her new sibling and not willing to share his or her favorite resting spot or toys. 

Training and Grooming 

Keeping your pet well-groomed and healthy is very important when you adopt; most animals need regular visits to the Veterinary Clinic and groomers. Depending on the size, species and nature of your animal these visits are as many as 2 to 3 times a month. It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet sees the vet when needed. You may not have found your soul pet yet, but the right one is definitely out there for you. Go on! Visit your local shelter or pet foster homes today!

Author: Lee-Ann Vaz-JolyBusiness Account Manager at The Best Marketing Shop. A skilled digital marketing strategist with a passion for SEO content writing and content creation. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with my family and advocating for animals!

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