11 Reasons Why Having a Pet Is Good for You and Your Family

Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or whatever, owning a pet can be an adventure.

While people who get a pet usually think that they are changing their lives for the better, pets also have a positive impact on the lives of their owners. If you still don't know if you should adopt a pet, here are 15 reasons why you need one.

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1. Having a pet can improve your mood.

Owning a pet can help reduce the stress you feel during a pandemic. According to research, spending time with your pet can cause levels of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” to rise. It is responsible for the feeling of closeness and strengthening of bonds with your pet. It can also improve your overall mood.

2. 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 the survey, 54 percent of pet owners surveyed said their pets helped them start a conversation. Nearly two-thirds of people said they could date someone who owns a pet, and one in three would want to meet someone who has photos of their pet on their online dating profile.

3. And if you're in a relationship, a pet can make you happier.

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

4. 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 that the act of petting an animal after a stressful situation reduced feelings of anxiety. "The anxiety-reducing effect extended to people with different attitudes towards animals and was not limited to animal lovers," the study notes.

5. Having a pet around, especially a dog, can help you feel more secure.

Large dog breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers are excellent defenses against external threats, making their owners feel more secure.

6. On cold nights, there is always someone to sleep with.

While pets can sometimes disturb their sleep, some owners enjoy the comfort of curling up with their pets nearby. They can make you feel relaxed when you fall asleep.

7. Whether it's a walk or yoga, pets can make you more physically active.

Walking your dog also boosts your fitness and makes you more likely to complete your daily exercise routine.

8. You will find immeasurable joy playing with your dog.

Almost every dog owner knows how nice it is to play with them on a nice summer day. You can teach your dog to paw, roll over, and bark on command, but dogs aren't the only ones that can be taught.

9. While not as fluffy as cats or dogs, birds like parrots can be lifelong companions.

Birds are social creatures and love to play games and do tricks. But unlike other animals, parrots and other birds have the ability to learn and imitate human speech. They also have a lifespan on par with a human.

10. 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. Pets are natural listeners, and your child may be more comfortable practicing their reading skills in front of a pet than in front of another person.

11. A pet can also teach your child responsibility.

58 percent of pet owners said their pets help teach their children to be responsible. From an early age, a child can help feed and bathe a pet.