Improving Quality of Life

Pets provide us with loyalty, companionship, love and affection, as well as the many physical and psychological benefits.

There are several benefits to having a pet:

• Companionship and pleasurable activity
• Facilitate exercise, play, and laughter
• Give something to care for and a source of consistency
• Allow feeling of security
• Are a comfort to touch and a pleasure to watch
• Provide a link with reality to enhance emotional stability
• Become a receptive partner in a relationship of mutual trust that promotes self-awareness
• Provide non-judgmental acceptance and love
• Are an outlet for one's ancient primate grooming urges

Improved sense of well being, for example pets in residential homes improve both patient and staff morale. Pets can lessen the feelings of isolation and loneliness and provide a sense of purpose elderly people or those with disabilities. Having to make the effort to care for a pet on a regular basis provides a feeling of fulfillment.