Are Pets Necessary? If so why ?

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A pet, or companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for a person's company or entertainment rather than as a working animal, livestock, or a laboratory animal. 

Popular pets are often considered to have attractive appearances, intelligence, and relatable personalities, but some pets may be taken in on an altruistic basis (such as a stray animal) and accepted by the owner regardless of these characteristics.

Pets are much more than just furry companions. They are an integral part of many people's lives, bringing joy, comfort, and countless other benefits. From dogs and cats to birds and fish, pets come in all shapes and sizes, and each one brings its unique set of advantages.

Here are some reasons why pets are necessary in our lives:

1. Mental Health Benefits

Pets have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Owning a pet can help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and provide much-needed comfort during times of stress. Caring for a pet also gives us a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Pets can also have a positive impact on physical health. Owning a dog, for example, gives us a reason to get outside and exercise, which can help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Pets can also provide companionship and encourage us to be more social, which can have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.

3. Stress Relief

For many people, pets provide a source of stress relief. Just petting a dog or cuddling with a cat can help reduce stress and anxiety. This is why many hospitals and nursing homes now allow pets to visit patients and residents.

4. Companionship

Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can be especially important for people who live alone or who are going through a difficult time. Having a pet to come home to can make all the difference in the world.

Two of the most popular pets are dogs and cats. 

Other animals commonly kept include rabbits; ferrets; pigs; rodents such as gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, rats, mice, and guinea pigs; digital pets such as tamagotchis; avian pets such as parrots, passerines, and fowls; reptile pets such as turtles, alligators, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes; aquatic pets such as fish, freshwater snails, and saltwater snails; 

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders;

And arthropod pets such as tarantulas and hermit crabs. 

Small pets may be grouped together as pocket pets, while the equine and bovine group include the largest companion animals.

Pets provide their owners with both physical and emotional benefits. 

Walking a dog can provide both the human and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction. 

Pets can give companionship to people who are living alone or elderly adults who do not have adequate social interaction with other people. 

There is a medically approved class of therapy animals, mostly dogs or cats, that are brought to visit confined humans, such as children in hospitals or elders in nursing homes. 

Pet therapy utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, or emotional goals with patients.

A Netherland Dwarf rabbit on a swing

People most commonly get pets for companionship, to protect a home or property or because of the perceived beauty or attractiveness of the animals.

 A 1994 Canadian study found that the most common reasons for not owning a pet were lack of ability to care for the pet when traveling (34.6%), lack of time (28.6%), and lack of suitable housing (28.3%), with dislike of pets being less common (19.6%).

Some scholars, ethicists, and animal rights organizations have raised concerns over keeping pets because of the lack of autonomy and the objectification of non-human animals.

In conclusion, pets are more than just cute and cuddly creatures. They play an important role in our lives, offering a range of benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health. Whether you prefer dogs, cats, or something else entirely, the many benefits of pet ownership make it clear why they are necessary in our lives.

                                                                                                                                                                      

References

"Position Statement on Ownership/Guardianship". ASPCA. Retrieved 7 November 2021.

Leslie, Be; Meek, Ah; Kawash, Gf; Mckeown, Db (April 1994). "An epidemiological investigation of pet ownership in Ontario" (Free full text). The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 35 (4): 218–22. ISSN 0008-5286. PMC 1686751. PMID 8076276.

McRobbie, Linda Rodriguez (1 August 2017). "Should we stop keeping pets? Why more and more ethicists say yes". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2017.

Tang, Ailin; Bradsher, Keith (22 October 2018). "The Trade War's Latest Casualties: China's Coddled Cats and Dogs". New York Times. Retrieved 23 October 2018.

"China Pet population and ownership 2019 update". China Pet Market. 25 December 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2019.