How Having a Pet Can Make the Quality of Your Life Better

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If you’ve ever found yourself idly scrolling through cat videos on the internet, you’ll know that pets are pretty adorable, not to mention hilarious. But did you know that getting a pet can actually benefit your quality of life in a lot of different ways? Let’s take a look at some of the unexpected benefits of owning a pet.


1. You’re more likely to meet other people and make new friends


Pets make great icebreakers, especially those like dogs that need frequent outdoor exercise. If you’ve ever been to a dog park, you’ll notice that most owners will have a chat to each other while their pups play, and some people will even choose to meet up at the same time every day so they can meet their dog-walking friends. 

How Having A Pet Can Make The Quality Of Your Life Better | Meet friends for dog walking!


Even if you get a pet that doesn’t come out and about with you, it can still be a great talking point, whether when your friends come round to your house, or with other enthusiasts at meet-ups or online forums. People just love talking about their pets!


  

2. You’ll get into a better routine, leave the house more, and get more exercise


If you’re the type of person who’s always meaning to get out and about more, or who’s always about to start exercising tomorrow, getting a pet could be the incentive you need to kick-start your new routine. It could be waking up earlier to feed the cat, or meeting your step count target while walking the dog a couple of times a day, but chances are, you’ll find yourself in a healthier, happier routine with a pet to keep you company.



3. Your blood pressure will be reduced and you’ll be less stressed 


It might sound too good to be true, but this one’s actually scientifically proven! If you’re a dog (or cat) lover, spending time petting your furry friend can release a feel-good cocktail of hormones like serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin. It also blocks cortisol, the stress hormone.

How Having A Pet Can Make The Quality Of Your Life Better | Pug sitting looking at the camera.


As such, being around a beloved pet can help to reduce stress, and, as a result, help to lower blood pressure. Combine that with getting more exercise, and you’re well on the way to a healthier lifestyle. 



4. The chances of your kids getting allergies will be reduced 


Although adults with fur or dander allergies will probably want to steer clear of furry pets in favor of fish or reptiles, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that children who are exposed to pets from a young age (under six months) will have stronger immune systems and be significantly less likely to develop allergies as they grow older. 

Of course, if you’re considering keeping a pet in a household with young children, you should never leave the two unattended together. 



5. You’ll learn the meaning of responsibility and discipline

No one is going to pretend that walking the dog is always fun, especially if it’s freezing cold and raining outside, and you’d much prefer to just have an extra hour in bed. But there’s something about knowing that not only will you do it, but you’ll probably enjoy it once you’re out there, that is very empowering. 

If you can apply the same logic to writing that report you’ve been putting off, calling your mother-in-law, filing your taxes, or any other task you’ve been avoiding, you might be surprised how much you’re able to achieve. 



6. You will have a constant source of company, love, and affection


Human relationships can be complicated, and sometimes exhausting. Yet we’re social animals, and everyone needs a little company from time to time. Pets won’t nag you, they won’t complain about you behind your back, and they’ll always be excited to see you when you get home (though this may be somewhat motivated by food…). Honestly, what more could you want?

How Having A Pet Can Make The Quality Of Your Life Better | Cuddles with your cat can make all the difference.




7. For people whose pets go above and beyond in making their lives better… Could an emotional support animal be right for you?


Almost anyone with a pet will happily talk your ear off about how much their life has improved since they got their precious furbaby. Yet for some people, their pets really go above and beyond in helping them to cope with everything life throws at them. 

One such case is the emotional support animal, which helps its owner to live with the symptoms of an emotional disability or mental health condition. These amazing animals, which can only be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional, have helped countless people with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, cyclothymia, borderline personality disorder, and more. 

If you have a pet that helps you to cope with a condition like these, the good news is that your existing pet could become your emotional support animal! If this is the case, or you think that you could benefit from an ESA, there are a number of free screening processes available online that can let you know instantly whether you qualify. If you do, you’ll need to get a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to ensure that you benefit for the full legal protection.

How Having A Pet Can Make The Quality Of Your Life Better | animal cuddles




Before You Get a Pet, Ask Yourself These Important Questions! 


Getting a pet can be a truly amazing experience. However, we would never suggest that anyone should get a pet without being fully prepared for the responsibility of caring for another living being. Before you rush to the animal shelter, consider these key questions: 


  • Can you afford a pet? The average cost of pet ownership in the USA is over $1000 for the first year alone, so this is not to be taken lightly! 

  • Do you have enough time? Depending on which pet you opt for, make sure you consider time for play, feeding, grooming, cleaning, training, and shopping for essentials! 

  • Do you have enough space? Pets take up more room than you think! Will there be enough room for a cage, crate, or tank? Where will your pet sleep? Does it have enough room to run around? 

  • If you have to travel often, will the pet be able to come with you? While pets have to pay fees and are barred from traveling on some airlines, ESAs travel free with their owners on all commercial airlines in America, even the ones that ban pets!