Improving wellbeing
Of course, the exercise you get from daily dog walks is a huge plus when it comes to your health, but that’s not the only reason pets give you a wellbeing boost.
For many, pet ownership reduces stress, and this has the bonus of improving physical health.
That’s because lower stress means lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reducing loneliness
Part of this is because pets can stop us feeling lonely.
And this doesn’t only hold true for dogs and cats – any animal, from hamsters to tortoises, can provide companionship and purpose, adding structure to our day.
Pets can even help us meet new people. Walking with a dog can lead to chats with strangers and talking to a fellow cat lover gives you an easy conversation starter.
Pets aren’t a magic solution to fix all problems though. They’re a serious commitment, so it’s vital you have the time, finances and energy to take care of them.
Opportunities for pet companionship
If time or financial constraints mean you can’t have a pet, there are other ways to bring some animal magic into your life. Animal shelters and charities such as the RSPCA often need volunteers to help with animal care. There are also opportunities to foster dogs, cats and smaller pets, while shelters are looking for a rescued animal’s forever home.
Since 1985, volunteers with the Cinnamon Trust have been helping older and terminally ill people care for their pets, making sure they don’t lose that precious companionship. This might include dog walking for a housebound owner, fostering pets when their owners are in hospital or simply buying the cat food.