Social Benefits

Pets provide companionship and promote a general feeling 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 with elderly people. Having to make the effort to care for a pet on a regular basis provides a feeling of fulfillment.

Pets have been described as a social lubricant. Attending dog-training classes, visiting the vet and walking in the park all provide opportunities to meet and talk to other people. Studies have shown that people walking a dog have far more positive encounters with others than those out walking alone, with the pet often providing a topic of conversation. Caring for a pet may also help to develop a child's sense of responsibility.

Family relationships in general may benefit from the presence of a pet. One study of 60 families with pets ranging from cats and dogs to skunks, monkeys and goats showed that families became closer as soon as the animal became part of the household. Children argued less and cooperated more. The parents got along better, too. It seems that at least for these families, benevolence toward animals and benevolence toward one another went hand in hand.

Service dogs provide wheelchair patients with a source of social stimulation that is typically more constant and reliable than most human companions, including spouses, siblings, or therapists. In addition, a number of empirical studies have demonstrated that the presence of a service dog serves to increase the quantity and quality of attention directed toward the disabled person by both familiar individuals and strangers. This "magnet" effect of service dogs can be of significant benefit to disabled individuals because research has clearly demonstrated that individuals with noticeable physical disabilities otherwise tend to be avoided or ignored by both familiar and unfamiliar individuals, relative to non-disabled individuals.

Studies have reported an increase in psychological well-being, self esteem, community integration, and a decreased dependence on others in people with disabilities who have Service and/or companion animals. Studies also site improved motivation, social acceptance, and the mitigation of the effects of loneliness. The animals are our teachers, especially the dogs. Many people find it easier to bond to an animal than to other people. The safety in this bonding can lead the way to the development of similar relationships with other people. Loving an animal is not threatening and can quickly heal any emotional scars on the human heart.