Benefits of Adopting a Pet (Anabell Rosas)

Research Every year thousands and thousands of animals are put down due to overcrowded animal shelters. Yes, the number of animals euthanized in shelters has declined since 2011 but that doesn’t mean the issue has been resolved. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.5 million animals in 2016 ended up in shelters and of those 6.5, 1.5 millions were euthanized due to lack of adoption.

Reasons why pets end up in shelters: 

• old age 
• lack of training 
• owner’s lifestyle changes 
• moving 
• financial reasons 
• no time for pets 
• owner’s health issues 
• pet’s health issues 
• too many pets in one household 
• biting issue 

In Veterinary Economics, Dr. Marty Becker mentions the importance of doing research on the type of dog that will best match with your lifestyle. For example, if one lives in a small apartment it's best to adopt a small dog. If one is looking for a running partner, dalmatians are a better match. Dr. Becker states that, "there are two kinds of lap dogs - a dog that will run laps and a dog that will sit on your lap"

Questions to consider when adopting: 

• How much time will I have to spend with my the pet?
• Does my landlord allow pets? Will there be any extra rent fees?
• How big is my yard?
• How much am I willing to spend on grooming costs?
• What activities am I hoping to do with my pet?
• Will my new pet get along with my other pets?
• Will my new pet get along with my children?
• Do my family members have any pet allergies?

It is known that humans and pets share a special kind of bond, a bond that benefits both ends. Studies show that people who have pets are happier and healthier. Owning a pet reduces anxiety, decreases one’s blood pressure, and enhances feelings of well-being. Base on Diane Sinclair, Michael Harbottle and Roger Green’s journal, Research on the Human-animal Bond, one can see that pets have a huge impact on one’s mental health and broader one’s physical health. Their journal also mentions the role pets have in therapy when serving the elderly residents of care homes.

Ways to bond with your new pet:

• spend time together 
• pet them
• pay attention to their likes and dislikes
• know and reward good behavior
• grooming 
• be playful

Paying attention to your new companion results in them paying attention to you. Your new pet will also notice your behavior. Studies show that pets can tell what feelings their owners are experiencing. They can tell when you're feeling happy and excited and especially when you're feeling down.

Personal story: Growing up I didn't know how to deal with my anxiety and panic attacks and it resulted in anger issues. Getting a pet was the best decision I've ever made. I saved a 3 month German Shepard from going to a shelter. No one wanted to take them him off his owners hands because he was being raised as a guard dog and he was food aggressive and would bite people. It used to be that I would cry myself to sleep when I had an attack but now I have my dog who comforts me and helps me calm down. He is there for me and listens to my ranting for hours. We go on long walks together and he forces me to jog when he sees a cat so I guess I can say we exercise together. Not only did I save his life but I feel like he has saved my life as well. To see so many pets in a shelter hurts me because they could be in a home saving someone instead up being euthanized. If people could only realized the help a pet can give them then there wouldn't be overcrowded shelters. Below you will find a picture of my dog, it's hard for me to take a picture with him, believe it or not he hates when I take his picture. That's one of his dislikes. That's why it's hard to get one of both of us together.

Lobo Rosas

People affected by this issue:
Pictured below are a couple of my friends who care about this issue and feel like their pets have helped them out when it comes to dealing with loneliness, depression and anxiety. We can all say that by adopting a pet you're not just saving their lives but you're also saving yours. It's up to us to spread the word and let people know the benefits of adopting a pet.

Julie McGuire

"When I first moved out, I was alone for the most part of a week. Having Rocco made me feel like I had someone, someone to come home to. When I'd cried, he'd come rushing to comfort me. Especially when I thought we couldn't conceive. He was there filling in the emptiness I thought we would never be able to fill"

Michelle Cveyich

"There are major benefits owning a pet, from love to companionship. The bond between owner and pet becomes a much more meaningful relationship where the two become dependent upon each other. Having a pet helps me fight anxiety and always uplifts my heart and soul. Nothing can take the place of my best friend, Lola. She is always excited and happy to see me. The unconditional love you find from being a pet owner is like nothing else."

 Works Cited

"Matchmaker, Make Your Clients a Match: When Clients Are Interested in Pet Adoption, How Can Make Sure They Find the Perfect Fit for Their Lifestyle?." Veterinary Economics, 52.7 (2011): 14.

https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

Sinclair, Diane, Michael Harbottle, and Roger Green. "Research on the Human-animal Bond." The Veterinary Record, 174.13 (2014): 334.