Companions for Life

Pet Basics

There are more than seventy one million pet owners in the United States, that comes to about sixty three percent of all households. Over half of the pet owners in this country have more than one animal, the two most popular pets are dogs, and cats. Other animals like horses, birds, guinea pigs, hampsters, and fresh or salt water fish are excellent pets that can provide enjoyment and companionship.

Research has shown that keeping a pet can generate positive health benefits such as relieving stress. For dog owners, a daily walk provides fresh air, social interaction, and exercise. Pets have helped children to cope with life changing situations, develop disipline, and to understand the responsibilities that comes with owning a pet.

Several health risks have been linked to pet ownership including disease and parasites caused by poor animal hygiene, asthma or allergies to pet hair, dander, or feathers, and stress or fear caused by animal behavior. The worst case scenario is injury or death from maulings, attacks, and animal bites.

The Humane Society of the United States notes that three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized annually, and countless others are confined to shelters existing in cages and unhealthful surroundings. Overpopulation is created by reproducing pets who have not been neutered, and aggravated by people who intentionally breed animals. Consider this, if left unneutered, a female cat and her offspring can produce up to four hundred and twenty thousand cats in a seven year period.