The right pet can help you feel more connected, which in turn, can boost your mood and well-being. In fact, many people report that pets have been a source of emotional support during challenging times. They’re also a great way to teach kids about responsibility, trust and compassion.
For older adults who have lost the things that occupied their time in earlier years—a spouse, children or career—a pet may fill this void and give them a sense of purpose. And if you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you’ll add to the feeling of fulfillment because you’re helping an animal who would otherwise have been euthanized.
When you come home from a stressful day at work or school, your pet is there to greet you with a big wagging tail and unconditional love. Pets are also carefree, so petting or playing with them can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Having a pet can be helpful if you suffer from chronic pain, as some studies have shown. One study found that people who own dogs have lower stress levels and fewer general health complaints than those without pets.
However, it’s important to remember that most of the research on the link between pets and health is observational, so we don’t know if it’s a cause-and-effect relationship. And if you have allergies or aren’t a fan of animals, a pet might not be the best addition to your family. But if you’re open to the idea, here are six ways that pets can enhance your life.