Of all the rewards associated with pet adoption (and there are many!), perhaps the most meaningful one hinges on the cycle found in animal shelters nationwide. When one pet is adopted, there is always another waiting to be seen, enjoyed, and hopefully adopted, as well. The space created by a single adoption begets exponential adoptions. With more than a million homeless pets facing euthanasia every year, it is definitely time to consider adopting a pet. 

Many of us know which animals represent our personalities and lifestyles more than the rest. For some, a muscular, focused doberman speaks volumes about their owner. For others, a fluffy indoor-only cat says a lot about who owns them. In this way, we can zero-in on finding just the right pet for ourselves, our living situations, and our personal activities. We’re glad to help prospective owners with the myriad of considerations required before signing the adoption papers. 

As we get older, our lives and daily routines can significantly change. After retirement, many older adults feel a sense of isolation and lack of purpose. Important people in our lives may no longer be there, and our ability to participate in activities at the same intensity will change. Many may find themselves with a lot of free time and a desire to do something with that time. Adopting a pet can help older adults achieve a sense of purpose and battle feelings of isolation as well as help to improve their overall health.

There’s a big difference between imagining a life shared with a pet – and actually bringing one home. Without a doubt, their sweet, silly cuteness goes a long way toward solidifying your bond,  but when things start to get “real” around the house, expectations and reality may collide. To truly understand the immense responsibility, a new pet owner should zoom out to focus on the big picture.

Approximately 15-30% of all Americans are affected by pet allergies. While they may be more common in households shared with cats, allergic reactions to dogs are known to be more severe. As a result, the dream of dog ownership may not ever be attainable for some people. For others, the experience is met with all sorts of uncomfortable challenges.

Breeding of hypoallergenic dogs is supposed to relieve some of the pressures associated with allergies, but how legitimate are the claims?

If you have pets, you know what a mood boost it is to see your dog greet you at the door after a long day at work. Or how good it feels to have your cat jump up on your lap for some snuggle time. This human-animal bond is something we can all feel, and perhaps even explain. But did you know that pet ownership is also good for your health? Aside from the feel-good aspect of pet ownership, there are mental, emotional, and physical benefits, too. What’s not to love?

Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital sees the bond between pets and their people every day, and it’s one of the very best parts of our job. So, we were excited to dig deeper into the health benefits of owning a pet. Continue…