Recent studies have shown that there are more families adopting pets this past year than ever before.
The increase is part of a bigger, longer-term trend, but the jump this past year alone means there are now more than 40% of households with pets.
26% of all family pets are dogs, while a whopping 18% of households opted for cats. If you look closer at the statistics, more than 80% of all households in the country had a pet at some point. There are some interesting pets too, including snakes and indoor birds.
Family pets, particularly cats and dogs, offer more than many families realise when they first make the decision to adopt. There are incredible benefits of having family pets, and we are going to review some of them in this article.
Good for Child Development
It is not a secret that having pets helps children develop into responsible and caring people. Children who grow up with pets tend to develop a more comprehensive sense of responsibility, especially if you use the presence of family pets to teach the kids about their responsibilities.
At the same time, kids can develop their nurturing skills when living around pets. The interactions between dogs and children are known to help with empathy and self-esteem as well. It is safe to say that having family pets is really good for the personal development of your children.
Pets are special for children. Dogs, for example, can be more than just a friend for the kids to play with. Many dogs form a stronger bond with their humans, providing companionship and love that further strengthens the children’s self-image.
Good for Health
Having pets are also great for health. Dogs and cats offer relief from stress, even in the worst situations. It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to console their humans during tough times. With dogs, in particular, that strong bond can prove to be invaluable.
The effects of pets aren’t just superficial either. Further studies also showed that families with pets have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The same is true for minor illnesses and general health issues. The presence of pets allows all family members to relax.
There is also the fact that adopted pets are healthier too. Families with pets often use pet insurance, treating their pets as family members. Insurance for pets is not only more affordable, but it is also easier to find thanks to everypaw.com. With insurance for dogs and insurance for cats, you have peace of mind that your furry friends won’t incur huge vet bills if they get sick. Families can find comprehensive cover from puppy insurance and kitten insurance to dog insurance and cat insurance.
Good for the House
For most of these families, pets are members of the family. There is something about forming a deep bond with pets that add warmth to the house. After all, who doesn’t like seeing their dogs welcoming them – all excited and eager to show love – at the end of a long day at the office?
As with other family members, we tend to give our pets the best care possible. The act of giving and caring for family pets are beneficial too, both physically and psychology.
Good for Harmony
We particularly love the fact that family pets are the glue that keeps family members even closer to one another. Sharing that bond and mutual love for the family pets add an extra layer of care and nurture to the relationship between family members.
Many families that maintain family pets also show a higher level of support to one another. Family members are used to interacting in a warmer, more receptive environment thanks to pets being part of the interaction, and that support will not wear off.
In fact, the presence of family pets increases the time that family members spend interacting with each other by a substantial margin. Family pets usually act as the conversation starter, as part of a fun activity, or a part of the family that bridges gaps when they do occur.
Good for Social Skills
Last but certainly not least, families living with pets tend to have better social skills in general. Children can develop their social skills at a much faster rate, while adults don’t have to worry about not being able to start a conversation or interacting with others in different environments.
It is much easier to start a long and exciting conversation with someone new in a social environment. Fellow pet lovers have so many things to share in return, making the pleasure mutual.
With so many benefits offered by family pets, it is not surprising to find more families adopting pets into their households. Experts believe that the number will continue to grow in the coming years.
