(IH Burger, ed) (p. 1-7), BVA Publications. The field of human-animal bond research is dedicated to studying the health benefits of pets … Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. Owning a pet is no easy feat, but that hasn't stopped Americans from adopting dogs and cats at staggering rates. As often occurs in science, studies have had mixed results. A good relationship with a pet … Try not to let your pets get near people outside your household. Stressful life events and use of physicians' services among the elderly: the moderating role of pet own-ership… A new meta-analysis of 17 academic papers finds evidence that having a pet benefits people with mental health problems. If you get sick with COVID-19, try to avoid close contact with your pets. Evidence for long term effects of pet own-ership on human health. Children raised with pets show many benefits. A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits. (1990). In: Pets, Benefits and Practice. The survey included a number of health, economic, and labor issues, so that respondents would not realize the researchers’ interest in a link between pets … It still makes sense to protect pets from infection the same way you protect yourself and other family members. A large German study collected pet information (dog, cat, horse, fish, bird or other pet ownership) from over 9,000 people at two different times (1996 and 2001). According to the CDC, the risk of pets spreading the virus to people is considered to be low. Purring, for example, has therapeutic healing capabilities on … 21 Serpell, J.A. In a survey of pet owners, 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership, and 75% of pet owners reported a friend’s or family member’s mental health has improved from pet ownership. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, approximately 36.5 percent and 30.4 percent of households in the United States have canine and feline furry family members, respectively. (1990). 22 Siegel, J.M. A cat purring is one of the most comforting sounds in the world and while it certainly means your cat is happy and comfortable, the sound has also … Averaged out, a cool third of American families own pets. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. It has been said that owning a pet can reduce stress and make you live longer, but there are certain health benefits that cats provide to their owners. Waltham Symposium 20. The kings of the internet deserve their title. Advantages of Pet Ownership . Some research shows benefits to having a pet, other studies say there's no difference between the health of those who do and don't own pets. 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