The Benefits of Having Pets
What do you think about Children and Pets?
First off I will admit that I am biased as we are a family of animal lovers and we think that the benefits of having pets far outweighs any challenges that (if any) that may arise. I love cats and dogs. Apparently so much so that even though I’m allergic to cats we always seem to have one in our family, sometimes we’ve had two.
They’ve always and continue to bring us joy which always outweighs any sadness of when they’re gone. our lives would not have been the same without them. Even now we simply can’t imagine having a cat or dog as part of our family, they are part of our lives and our memories.
Below is my daughter when she was only four years old (she’s 12 now) with our dog Luna whom we got as a puppy. Luna is still with us and goes to work every day with my husband and comes home to play with my daughter.
There are in my opinion so many benefits of having pets or should I say having furry family members and I’m happy share just some of those benefits with you!
I do not judge and understand that some parents choose not to have a pet in their home and there is nothing wrong with that. However, choosing to have a pet does have its benefits. A pet can offer a child and its parents love and affection, companionship and also responsibility.
Other positive benefits of having a pet in your home is that a pet can help to lower your stress as both you and your child will be delighted by their antics. Having a pet in your household can also help to boost your child’s self-esteem.
As mentioned above having a pet in the household can also teach the child responsibility. They will have to learn pet care chores and in return bond with the animal. They will also learn about nurturing with kindness and love. Shelter and exercise is also something that your child will learn from having a pet in your home. They will also learn compassion and empathy.
Another thing that your child can benefit from having a pet in the home is that they are not judgemental. If your child wants to sing to your pet or even read to them for that matter, the pet will not take note of whether or not they missed a note or a word. A pet can help to fill that empty void when there is no one else around to play with or even communicate with.
Pet care also includes grooming. A friendly and gentle rub across the back of a cat or dog, bunny, hamster, and other furry animals can greatly reduce stress. And, heaven forbid, if the child is having a bad day or is upset about something, a pet can somehow take away feelings of distress and discomfort.
Before choosing a pet for your child it is important that you do some research into specific kinds of animals and their demeanor. Choose one that your child will relate to the best. Think about their size, characteristics, life span, care, and cost of having the pet in the first place before making a decision.
What do you think about the benefits of having pets aka having furry family members? Feel free to comment below.
Edna Williams says
February 8, 2016 at 6:45 AMI have a big dog, and I feel pets help us! Thanks for the article!
heather bell says
June 19, 2014 at 6:31 AMI think pets are great to have for children! I got my son a kitten and he loves him <3
Joyce Alexander says
June 12, 2014 at 10:24 PMI totally agree with you. My brother and I were always animal lovers. We got that from my mom because she is like me a Snow White. My sister & my dad on the other hand are not so much. We always had pets growing up & as soon as I had a chance I’ve been rescuing cats & my husband had his hunting dogs. Luckily my husband is a big a animal lover as I am and we’ve always had pets that literally grew up with our girls. Of course my daughters are also now cat owners & lovers & they found partners of the same ilk. We have a total of 7 cats between us and I’m sure there will be more in the future.
Paula Ball says
May 18, 2014 at 9:37 AMI couldn’t imagine a life without my pets. They’re part of the family. I’ve been involved in rescue & fostering for 14 years & my life has been enriched greatly from it.
Rosemary Dawson says
April 14, 2014 at 11:00 AMI have 3 rescue dogs and 3 cats.
Tresa says
April 1, 2014 at 2:31 PMI have a Border Collie and the best part about having him is his unconditional love’
EJ (Jane) says
March 28, 2014 at 7:34 PMWe have four kids & 2 rescue dogs, big happy family.
KARENALBERTWINSLOW says
March 26, 2014 at 9:18 PMHAVING AN ANIMAL AROUND IS GREAT FOR KIDS & BETTER FOR ADULTS. IVE BEEN ILL & THERE ARE TIMES I DONT SEE ANOTHER HUMAN FOR WEEKS. IF I DIDNT HAVE THE CATS TO TALK TOO I WOULD PROB GO NUTS
tammy kay ward says
March 24, 2014 at 6:31 PMWe have a pug and a chihuahua and they truly are family and when i am sad they are there to cheer me up,we love them and they are great
Marion Gasiorek says
March 24, 2014 at 10:40 AMYou did a great job on the “Benefits of Having Pets”. I have 3 dogs, no children, and I don’t know what I’d do without them. Also, I am disabled, so they help me in a lot of other ways too. Love this !!
lisa says
March 24, 2014 at 8:33 AMWhen I was growing up we always had a dog in the house. I don’t now. I just don’t have the patience to take care of an animal. I do good to take care of myself.
CHRISTY SWEENEY says
March 24, 2014 at 5:40 AMi believe every child should have a pet. they are best friends, teach responsibility and gives them protection
loriag says
March 24, 2014 at 4:52 AMI agree with you there are great benefits to having pets in the home. I was amazed when a friend of mine told me yesterday that they actually had a therapy dog for children and adults at their new church. I thought that was so cool, I have never ever seen that before.
Sandy McFadden says
March 23, 2014 at 10:04 PMI believe you have to weigh out what you feel your child is ready for…………they need to have responsibilities to care for the pet that you choose. And to respect the animal as another member of the family. I feel sorry for households that can’t have pets because of allergies. The best times for my kids growing up were there pets….the bonds that were formed and the memories made.
Shannon says
March 23, 2014 at 7:47 PMI have always had pets and they make me happy. I love them more than most people.
Julia Kantrowski says
March 23, 2014 at 6:00 PMWe always had pets growing up and I really wish we lived in an area and home that would allow for pets because I am certain my boys would be wonderful pet owners.
rochelle haynes says
March 23, 2014 at 2:14 PMPets are nice to have.
Tamra Phelps says
March 23, 2014 at 12:43 PMTrue. Pets give much more than they take! Always happy to see you! Unconditional love.
sue williams says
March 22, 2014 at 11:52 PMGreat tips on having pets I think pets help children!! Learn to love and be responsible pets teach us how to love!!
Jeanine says
March 22, 2014 at 11:30 PMI love my furbabies. I totally agree about them teaching responsibility to kids. My grand daughter absolutely loves her kitty and dogs- so do I!!
laura harris says
March 22, 2014 at 7:12 PMI treat my pets like my kids..I even miss them when i’m gone!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
March 22, 2014 at 4:59 PMPets are not only companions to us. They have been shoewn to have good health benefits for us.
Erika E says
March 21, 2014 at 8:12 PMWe have had pets in our home since before my son was born. He’s sick far less than his friends and always has a companion when he wants one. I can’t imagine my house without our furry family members.
RANDY FULGHAM says
March 21, 2014 at 8:38 AMI THINK IT IS GREAT TO HAVE DOGS AND KIDS TOGETHER…