The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well‐Being The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well‐Be | Page 9

leading to potential animal welfare problems such as mistreatment and/ or
obligatory relinquishment. In the event that a patient expresses interest in
acquiring a pet, they should be referred to a veterinarian for appropriate
information and advice on suitability and selection. Alternatively, there are
various opportunities available for encouraging animal interactions that could
be considered, including spending time with friends' or family pets, offering to
pet-sit, or volunteering at local animal shelters.
2.0 Reasons Why It Is Important to Raise Kids around Animals
Many of us have fond memories of growing up with the family cat or dog (or
both if your parents happened to be equal opportunity pet lovers). As it turns
out, 62 percent of households in the United States include companion animals.
Dogs are the most popular choice coming in at 39 percent, while cats take a
pretty close second at 33 percent.
Aside from building great memories, having a pet in the house actually serves
some pretty incredible purposes when it comes to the emotional development
and even physical health of kids. Multiple studies point to the positive impact
that companion animals have on our kids, but don’t despair if allergies,
building policies or finances keep you from being able to add to the family at
the moment. There are plenty of programs and volunteer opportunities out
there that allow kids to engage with animals one-on-one and reap many of the