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The Pet Effect: Facts about the Incredible Human-animal Bond
Article by PetSmart Charities President Aimee Gilbreath
(BPT) - Do you ever notice how fulfilled you feel when you spend time with your pet? How can your pet inspire joy while also somehow helping you feel less stressed? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet hoping for companionship, affection, and love? These and many more positives are the result of the pet effect, also known as the human-animal bond.
"Science supports that the pet effect is real for people of all ages," says PetSmart Charities President Aimee Gilbreath. "However, you don't need research to see for yourself the benefits a pet can bring a family. Adopting a pet is a life-changing experience. The human-animal bond is a profound thing, and many people consider their pets members of the family and welcomingly embrace the many positives they provide."
Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities, shares some of the top benefits
and interesting facts about the pet effect:
Owning a pet has mental and physical benefits.
Scientific evidence supporting the emotional health advantages of pet relationships is growing. Pets and therapy animals have been shown to help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation. For example, a study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Cohen Research Group found 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership and 54% of pet owners reported physical health improvements from pet ownership.
Pet ownership reduces U.S. health care costs.
About 80 million U.S. households have pets, according to the HABRI Foundation, and that pet ownership has saved the U.S. health care system an estimated $11.7 billion. The largest savings was determined based on a lower incidence of physician office visits by pet owners as compared to non-owners. Additional savings were calculated for increased physical activity for pet owners, such as dog owners who walk their dog five or more times a week.