Do you ever find yourself feeling alone, tired, and/or sad? Though there is not one simple answer on how to fix these emotions, there is something you can do; get a pet. The phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend” goes much further than dogs. Whether it’s a cat, a bunny, a fish, a hamster, or any other furry friend, they have much more of an impact on us than we give them credit for. In an article published by a research institute depicting relationships between humans and animals called Habri, it states “Pets offer not just unconditional love, but also a sense of purpose in caring for another being.” As they continue to explain, humans turn to pets for companionship, comfort, and a sense of belonging. These three benefits are extremely impactful and important, and humans continue to write and research with proof of an improved life post-adoption.
Despite the common “pets are too much work” cliche, it is proven that this sense of work towards an animal provides humans the feeling of being needed. Taking care of a pet gives us a sense of purpose, leading to motivation and drive to stay active and useful. For credibility, an article published by UC Davis researchers states, “Establishing healthy routines for a pet such as daily walks, healthy meals and active playtime provides many pet parents with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.” Having a pet is an activity in itself, and the dependence a pet has on their human emphasizes the importance of nursing and care for them.
Arguably the best part of owning a pet is the happiness it brings. Especially in times of stress and struggle, having a companion can bring true happiness and joy. Whether you are coming home from a long day at school, or a hard shift at work, the natural sense of happiness a pet can bring will benefit you and your mood more than you think. Charlotte Conway, class of 2026, explained “After coming home from school, all I want to do is lay with my Corgi, Clyde.” This response is a clear example of the simple joy a pet, in this case a dog, can bring to you.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, these benefits and caretaking experiences do not just come from dogs. A small, convenient and common example is a fish. As researchers from CD Aquatics, a research center and home/aquarium for fish, state, “Keeping fish in an aquarium or pond in your home or garden is a great stress reliever.” Pets of any kind can bring the caretaking, joyful, and routine benefit for humans. Overall, you will not regret getting a pet, and your well-being will be improved if you learn to care for a pet, like they will care for you.
