If you’re an animal lover, you probably can’t imagine going through life without a pet. Whether your preferred furry friend is a cat or dog, or you’re more into scaly or feathery animals, there’s nothing better than having a cute companion waiting for you when you return home after a long day. That’s why so many people love having a family member whom they can’t communicate with through words, but they love more than anything.
In fact, Forbes reports that two-thirds of households in the United States own a pet. That’s up from only 56% in 1988, so clearly, the passion for animals is on the rise. And Americans are willing to spend whatever is necessary to keep their furry friends happy and healthy, as in 2021, they spent a whopping $136.8 billion on them.
The most popular pet in the United States is none other than man’s best friend. Currently, there are over 65 million households with dogs in the U.S. But cats aren’t far behind, as 46.5 million homes house at least one. Some less common, yet still beloved, household pets include freshwater fish, birds, small animals (such as hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, etc.), reptiles, horses, and saltwater fish.
Apparently, Millennials own more pets than any other generation, with one-third of them having at least one. But Gen X and Baby Boomers also love their animals, as about a quarter of each generation keep at least one pet. And while only 16% of Gen Z have pets, likely because many of them are still quite young, they are far more likely than any other generation to own a variety of pets.
It’s no secret that some moments as a pet owner will be frustrating. If your cat throws up on your bed in the middle of the night or your puppy rips a hole in your couch, you might wonder for a moment why you ever invited an animal into your home. But the pros of having pets around far outweigh the cons. In fact, UC Davis reports that there are even health benefits associated with owning animals. The first, which will surprise no pet owner, is that they can be great for a person’s mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
If you’ve ever had a sleeping puppy on your lap or a purring kitty on your chest, you know that these animals are amazing at melting stress away. They’re calm, comforting, and they can make you feel less alone. Even though they can’t say it with their words, the way that these animals express love and care for their owners is really beautiful. And many owners report that their animals help them feel a sense of purpose, which is also important for maintaining their mental health.
Now, if you’re more concerned about your physical health, don’t worry. Your animals can help with that too. If you have a dog, you’ll have to take them on plenty of walks, which is great for your health. Over 60% of dog owners actually meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise by making sure that their pets are active. But even just the presence of an animal in your home can improve your blood pressure by helping ease your stress.
Having an adorable pet around can be particularly helpful for older individuals. Unfortunately, many older adults struggle with isolation and loneliness. But those who report having strong connections with their pets also report lower rates of depression. And having a pet around can keep someone active, even into their old age, which can help stave off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
