Ways Pet Ownership Can Improve Your Life
As social creatures, we all crave human interaction. Studies suggest that a lack of social interaction may lead to mental deterioration, causing memory loss and overall poorer mental and physical health.
In this article, we invite you to explore the wondrous benefits of animal companionship. You’d be amazed how much a furry (or scaly) friend can add to your life!
1. Pet Ownership Reduces Stress
Did you know that pet ownership promotes a better state of mind? Domestic animals like cats and dogs love unconditionally and are known to show affection in their own ways, such as licking or curling up next to you as you read the morning news. Such displays of affection improve the self-esteem of their owners, reducing feelings of unworthiness or loneliness.
If you’re not ready for the commitment, lower-maintenance animals like fish are a viable option. Often, the act of caring for a pet establishes a routine that can help to distract from the daily stresses that you might otherwise get caught up in.
2. Get Fit While Trying to Get Them Fit
There’s a certain level of mental and physical activity involved in being a pet owner. Little things like feeding and cleaning up after them all require planning and legwork. Don’t underestimate the trips to the pet store or supermarket to get their food and accessories, and the energy it requires to haul them back home.
In addition, pets like dogs require walking, and all the seemingly modest workouts you get while taking them around the neighbourhood is beneficial in the long run by increasing your mobility and overall physical fitness.
Not keen on so much action? Less conventional pets like birds can help you stay engaged on a minimal level. Parakeets and cockatiels can be easily tamed and taught tricks. As birds from the parrot family, they can learn to talk, so you might soon find yourself conversing with your pet!
3. Say Hello (or Goodbye) to a Social Life
Depending on whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you can choose the manner in which a pet can satisfy your social needs.
If you’re an extrovert, dog-walking gives you the opportunity to interact with others at the local park or even the void deck. Often, curiosity and fascination will motivate other dog owners or passers-by to give your dog a head rub while engaging with you (be prepared for questions like the breed and age of your dog!).
If you’re an introvert, pets like cats are a good option as they’re independent creatures and don’t require as much attention from their caregivers. They are easy to maintain, don’t need much time outdoors, and make purrfect domestic companions. Other small animals like rabbits are soft, cuddly, relatively quiet, and can be litter-box trained. If you prefer to keep a pet that’s confined to a cage or a tank, especially if you’ve downsized to a smaller home, hamsters are relatively fuss-free as well.
Now that you’re aware of how pet ownership can be good for the soul, keep in mind that keeping a pet is a huge responsibility and the long-term arrangement has to be mutually beneficial. If you’re considering getting a lifelong companion, do read up on their needs beforehand and look into adopting instead of buying. Remember, pets are for life!
For more information on the benefits of pet ownership, check out our book recommendations below:
From left to right:
Cat vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat — Pam Johnson-Bennett | eBook
How to Hold Animals — Toshimitsu Matsuhashi | eBook
Pet Nation: The Love Affair That Changed America — Mark L. Cushing | eBook, Audiobook
Walks With Sam: A Man, a Dog, and a Season of Awakening — David W. Berner | eBook
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Text by
Seri Mazliana
National Library Board
