Q: What is your recommendation on pets for children?
A: Studies show that kids who have pets have higher self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills. Studies also show that pet owners are healthier, happier, and have a positive association with pets. Owning a pet is not only beneficial to kids but adolescents and adults as well.
It is known that some 94 percent of dog owners consider their pet to be a family member. 65 percent of dog owners take more photos of their dogs than people! While I do not have statistics, cats are popular as well and a bit easier as they don’t need the same amount of exercise as dogs do.
Given this, a pet is a commitment and responsibility. If you are considering getting a pet for a child, it is important that the child understand he/she should take part in the responsibility of raising a healthy pet. Discuss the various options available in terms of what kind of pet, the environment in which you would be raising the pet and, the level of commitment you are willing to take on. It may be that a lower maintenance animal is best or if someone in the household is active, then a more active pet could be good. Dogs do need plenty of exercises and this should be considered when looking at options.
There is no question that pets are pure unconditional love and such a joy in one’s life. There are more therapy animals now than ever who spend time in elder facilities and hospitals to help provide comfort to patients.
Once you carefully consider the options of getting a pet, if you decide on having a fur baby in the home, you can have years of a healthy relationship and increase your level of oxytocin, the love and cuddle hormone. All the best.