Companion Animals and Your Health

There have been many documented studies on the health benefits of having a pet. Most studies have focused on dogs and cats, but other species--fish, birds, reptiles or amphibians-- provide much comfort too. There is a proven link between pet ownership and living a longer, healthier life. Pets can lower your blood pressure, boost your spirits, ease tension and give you a purpose for living and feeling needed.

How great to come home after a hard day and be greeted by someone who is genuinely happy to see you and who loves you unconditionally. This is especially important to people who live alone. Coming home to someone gives you something to look forward to all day.

Dr. Alan Beck, Director of the Center for Human-Animal Bond at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, explains that pets help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. He says, "A pet is someone to share your life with. There's a lot of people in this world who live alone. As a society, many of us live in apartments in big cities. We may not know our neighbors. We may be separated geographically from our extended families. Maybe we're divorced or widowed and live alone. And so for people in these circumstances, pets can help fill the 'people void' in their lives."