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Pet ownership, or just being in the presence of a companion animal, is associated with health benefits, including improvements in mental, social, and physiologic health status.How humans benefit.


Adopting a shelter pet saves the life of an animal. 

You save an animal - That in turn can save a human life.

Then you both go for a walk to get your exercise.

That lowers your stress, gets you in shape and

promotes your heath and you both live happily ever on...


Decreasing stress can decrease depression which in turn can decrease suicide Exercise can reduce stress and depression

A dog can help you exercise.  Pets could help individuals remove the built up stress hormones from their bodies more rapidly, by encouraging their owners to exercise.

Therapy dog offers stress relief at work



Man’s best friend may help you make more human friends. People who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they grow older. 

Can decrease Feelings of loneliness.

Feeling healthy promotes positive social interactions.

Pets can promote feelings of safety and provide a source of contact comfort.  Safety and comfort can increase social contacts.


The love from a pets can make people feel good about themselves.

Pets may reduce anxiety and provide a source of comfort and developing empathy.

For older people, an animal can fulfill the 'need to be needed', perhaps after children have left home.

For people without children, pets can help people to become more nurturing, patient, compassionate, kind and loving.  

Dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese.





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