There are many health benefits of having pets at home. Research has proven people with pets visit their doctor less often, particularly for mild illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), most households in the United States have at least one pet and the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.

Here are the main health benefits of owning a pet:

Pets can support their owner’s mental health. There are times people feel lonely and having pets next to them can help them overcome loneliness. Life becomes increasingly complicated these days: there are loads of homework to return, assignments to finish, and things get in a rush in our heads. When such circumstance happens, petting, walking or playing with pets would be helpful to reduce stress and take a load off after a long and hard day. Harvard scientists observed that 87% of people who owned a canine or feline companion felt more serene once arrived at home.

Plus, having animals to care for improves the masters’ mental state by giving their life an additional sense of meaning and purpose. Since, small as well as big household pets need constant care: food, water, tank cleaning, tank temperature check. Providing those basic needs gives the owners a sense of responsibilities over another life. Having a lovely and friendly compagnie could frequently put a smile on anyone’s face! No matter how floppy ears and a big smile a dog has, nor how big bright eyes and tiny toes a gecko gets, having such animals brings happiness and a source of pride. Broadly speaking, domestic pets can help support people with more serious mental condition in ways other humans are not able to express.

Having pets may affect owners’ physical health. Pets also provide positive energy which supports their owners’ physical health. According to the National Center for Health Research, here are examples of physical health improvement people can get from their pets.

• Exercise and fitness. Taking care of dogs requires energy. Dogs daily need to go on walks or run which requires owners to do so. Regular walking, playing with pets can increase the possibilities to exercise, to spend time outdoor, which decreases blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Such routine exercise can remain struggling for non-dog owners to carry out.
• Allergy Immunity. Studies have shown that kids who have been raised around animals are more likely to develop immunity to bacteria and pet allergens.
• Less medical care. People who live with pets seek less general medical care. This has been reported in wildlife biologist Jonathan David’s studies on General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) in 1992.
• Easing pain. Pets can reduce their owners’ stress level and provide emotional support when suffering from chronic pains such as migraines or arthritis. Less active and quiet animals proved to be more comforting.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study by the American Heart Association, owning a pet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which ranks as the leading cause of death in the world.

Sources: Psychologies, Lifehack