Connecting with pets

Young people growing up around pets have reduced risk of allergies and strengthened immune systems. School children who are pet owners are more empathetic and socially connected. They also report greater optimism, higher self-esteem, and less loneliness, boredom, and despair than other students. Pets are great motivators for getting families outdoors, and can increase cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. (Source)

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are often trained to help people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, autism, and developmental disabilities. Confidence, self-esteem and greater social connectedness is often the result. Some researchers believe pets should be a main source of support - rather than an occasional aspect - in managing mental illness. (Source 1) (Source 2)

62% of homes in Australia have a pet (exceeded only by the US and New Zealand). 2.3 million Australian homes have more than one pet. 3.6 million Australian homes have a dog, and 2.9 million homes have a cat. One quarter of pet cats are acquired through a shelter. The third most common pet in Australian homes are fish, and birds come fourth. (Source)

Pets in aged care situations show patients spend less time alone than before the pet was introduced, and they give patients something to talk about. Even people with advanced Alzheimer's who don't respond to people usually respond socially to pets. Older pet owners are shown to be less stressed by major life changes than non-pet owners. Even watching and feeding pet fish can be calming. There is a reluctance among older people to enter retirement facilities without their pets. (Source 1) (Source 2)