FOR ALL THEY DO FOR YOU . . . 

WON'T YOU PLEASE HELP THEM?

Research shows that pets are good for people.  Companion animals benefit their owner’s physical, psychological and emotional condition in a number of different ways. Completed studies show that pets help people through the companionship they provide and advance review of current research indicates that we will soon hear a great deal more about the positive effects animals have on the human condition. Below is a list of the benefits of companion animals and a brief look at the findings of various studies and surveys on the subject.

INCREASED SELF
CONFIDENCE 
*Pets provide their
owners with comfort and
reassurance. 
*There is a reduction of
stress in social situations
when a pet is present. 
*The pet’s accepting
nature and unconditional
love are a constant and
reliable source of
comfort that increases
the owner’s
self-confidence.

INCREASED SELF
ESTEEM 
*Caring for a pet and
teaching him how to do
things enhances a child’s
self esteem by making
him feel important in the
life of the animal. 
*Pets improve the
self-esteem of the visually
handicapped and ease
their owner’s adjustment
into mainstream living. 
*Responsibility for a pet’s
well being promotes the
feeling of being important
and needed. 

IMPROVED MENTAL
WELL BEING 
*Pets serve children as
beneficial playmates by
providing comfort and
enhancing the child’s self
esteem. 
*As sources of love,
companionship and
responsibility, pets can
help smooth the
transition from childhood
to young adulthood. 
*Animals used as
co-therapists in
psychotherapy produce
improved patient
therapist rapport and
increased verbalization
in the patient. 
*Pets placed in an
institution for the
criminally insane have
been credited for a
decrease in suicide
attempts and a decrease
in the patient’s need for
medication. 
*Pets have been shown
to create family
closeness while
promoting the individual
well being of each family
member. 
*Pets are particularly
helpful in easing the
strain on children and
adults resulting from
divorce, serious illness
or any dramatic change
in lifestyle. 
*A pet’s presence is an
asset when coping with
illness and depression. 

IMPROVED
SOCIALIZATION 
*Pets help elderly nursing
home resident by
improving verbal
communication and
socialization, by
encouraging activity and
by stimulating reality
orientation. 
*Companion animals
encourage people to
exchange greeting,
initiate conversation and
become friends. 

IMPROVED PHYSICAL
HEALTH AND
LONGEVITY 
*Coronary patients who
own pets live longer than
those who don’t. 
*Pets have a beneficial
effect on the social,
physical and mental
condition of elderly
people. 

REDUCED STRESS
AND BLOOD
PRESSURE 
*Heart rate and blood
pressure are reduced
when greeting an animal. 
*Petting a dog or cat can
cause blood pressure to
drop.