Health Benefits of Pets

Over 68% of Americans own a pet and most people consider their pets members of their family. Pets are more than adorable creatures that we like to cuddle. They also bring a number of benefits to their owners and families such as:

• Lowering your blood pressure

• Providing companionship

  
  

• Improving your mood

  
  

• Providing unconditional love and support

  
  

• Reducing loneliness

  
  

• Increasing physical activity

  
  

• Helping people with disabilities

  
  

• Helping meet new people

  
  

• Adding structure to your day

  
  

• Decreasing levels of cortisol (a stress hormone)

*If you are considering getting a pet, please adopt one from your local shelter. S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue (safe-pet-rescue-fl.com) in St Augustine and Animal Care and Protective Services (coj.net/pets) in Jacksonville are wonderful facilities.

Sources: The Power of Pets (newsinhealth.nih.gov)

Pets and Mental Health (mentalhealth.org.uk)

Health benefits of pets: How your furry friend improves your mental and physical health (health.ucdavis.edu)