Many of us would love a furry friend at home but deciding whether to add a pet to your family is a big decision.
If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, consider these points from pet experts to help you make a decision:
1. In an increasingly digital world where socializing is often done online, pets provide real-life companionship and help make social connections.
2. Pets teach important lessons about forgiveness. If you don’t spend enough time with your pet one day, they won’t hold it against you and the next day they’ll have completely forgiven you.
3. Whenever you have a difficult day, even if the problems were caused by you, your pet will still be excited to see you when you return home and will remain at your side.
4. Research shows that pets reduce stress and anxiety. In a hectic family household, pets can help provide calm, loving balance.
5. Pets, particularly dogs, get you to move more. It’s easy to say no to exercise after a busy day at work and school, but if the dog needs its walk, someone in the family will have to lace up their shoes.
6. Although children favour kittens and puppies, adopting an older pet is less work.
7. If now is not the right time for a pet, encourage your child to make a small donation to a local animal rescue or shelter to help a pet in need.
