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According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet which equates to 71.4 million homes. In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to 62% in 2008. This shows a continual growth in the number of people sharing their lives and homes with pets.  It may come as no surprise to learn that there are numerous health benefits to owning a pet so whether owning a pet is a conscious decision or not in terms of owner health it certainly needs to be celebrated (APPA)

Dr Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo, believes that pets help to Lower Blood Pressure in their owners.  A recent study found that people who owned a dog or cat and suffered from hypertension had lower blood pressure readings when under stress than those in the same situation who were not pet owners (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo).

Pets are faithful companions and research shows that dogs and cats help owners remain psychologically stable during times of stress, particularly single men. Pet ownership also helps fight depression and loneliness. The bond between a human and a pet can create a (more…)