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THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A FAMILY PET

It is easy for children to become immersed in the idea of having a pet the entire family can enjoy. In fact, many parents get asked frequently for a furry friend, big or small. The truth of the matter is, that pets can be amazingly beneficial to your family for a variety of reasons.

Yes, pets are a huge responsibly and certainly not one to be taken lightly. Preparing properly for a pet is very important because a pet is a family member for their lifetime.

If you are on the fence about whether a pet is a right choice for your household, chances are you will decide in your child’s favor after you find out just how many benefits a pet can come with.

The Benefits of Having a Family Pet

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A FAMILY PET

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NATURAL STRESS RELIEF

Pets can be a great source of stress relief for parents. With parents these days having such busy lives working full time and having so many different responsibilities, a cozy snuggle with a furry friend is far more beneficial than you might think.

If you are sick or just having a bad day you will find that your pet will be there for you in ways that you weren’t really expecting. The amount of empathy that pets show is incredible. Having a pet can allow you and your children to subconsciously relax.

INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL

Having a pet can certainly help with making your family more active together. A pet, more likely a dog, can increase your activity level. With people becoming more sedentary as of late, a dog will encourage you to go out on at least 2 walks a day most days.

Walking your dog can be a great family activity to participate in together, all while encouraging you to get active.

ENCOURAGE TEAMWORK AND FAMILY BONDING

Having a family pet can encourage a family to come together, to work towards a common goal. Teamwork makes the dream work, and everyone can have a role that they participate in to take care of the pet. Working together to take care of a pet is a great way to bond and spend time together.

The Benefits of Having a Family Pet

TEACH RESPONSIBILITY

Having a pet is a great way to teach your children responsibility. Once they are old enough and ready, they can participate in taking care of the pet by feeding, bathing and even walking it. This will teach children that taking care of another living being is a huge responsibility, and give them a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

There are many great reasons having a family pet can be beneficial to you. Pets may be a big responsibility, but they are totally worth it.

You may also like this post on HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD COPE WITH THE LOSS OF A PET:

how to help your child cope with the loss of a pet

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Tara Gauthier

Wednesday 10th of January 2018

We were finally able to get a dog a year after buying our house after having had fish, rabbits over the years for the kids. The rabbits were our sons great friends, he loved crawling right in the cage with one of them. But our dog really has completed our family.

Gord

Tuesday 9th of January 2018

We have had pets in our homes since we were really young. The benefits of having a pet are so true.

Florence Cochrane

Sunday 7th of January 2018

Pets are great company for the elderly also but like my mom. She looks after my brother's cat when needed and she loves the company.

Laura Nickles

Friday 5th of January 2018

We got our dog 2 years ago. Due to health reason I wanted a dog for most of the reasons you posted. Mainly to motivate me to get up and moving. And outside. Great article

Jody @ Mommy Moment

Friday 5th of January 2018

Laura, That is wonderful to hear.

Laurie P

Thursday 4th of January 2018

We said good bye to our cat last 2 yrs ago, she was not well. Now that my kiddo is 5, I think it's the perfect time to get her a pet!