Adopting a pet can enrich your life, health, and well-being in a host of ways. But it’s not for everyone. Ask yourself the right questions to decide if pet adoption is a heathy choice for you.
There are so many good reasons to adopt a pet. Pets can provide you with companionship, laughter, and unconditional love, and they can comfort you when you're sad, sick, or stressed. And while research is ongoing, some findings suggest that the bond people form with their dog or cat can support better physical and mental health.
Loving and caring for a pet may:
Support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Some studies suggest that pets may help lower these 2 risk factors for heart disease. How the human-pet bond helps do this exactly is still being explored. One study found that caring for a dog boosts activity levels (via dog walking) and promotes healthier eating. These 2 habits in turn may help improve or lower the risk for these 2 conditions. Interacting with a cat or dog may also induce greater calm, which may help support healthy blood pressure.
Stave off loneliness
A pet can offer a loving source of companionship. This may be especially helpful to single or widowed older adults living alone.
Ease stress and boost your mood
Petting or cuddling with a cat or dog tends to have a calming effect. Playing with a pet can also spark heartfelt laughter and joy. Talk about 2 powerful ways to ease stress and support a happy mood.
Lower the risk for depression
Findings are mixed on whether caring for a pet helps lower the risk of depression. But researchers suspect that pets may help lessen stress and loneliness. This may help lower the risk for depression. One study found that, compared to people without a dog, people with a dog felt a greater sense of social support during the pandemic, along with fewer symptoms of depression.
Boost exercise levels and enhance social engagement
Adopting a dog offers a built-in opportunity for more exercise: You have to walk them. Getting out for that daily walk or jog, or taking your pooch to play at the dog park, makes a great way to boost your fitness level. At the same time, you’ll increase your chances of meeting new neighbors and other dog guardians along the way. This can help you make new friends and enhance your social support.
Improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
One 5-year study of adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease found that those with a pet had less severe symptoms and slower disease progression than Alzheimer’s patients without a pet. At the end of the 5-year study, the pet owners were also better able to perform the activities of daily living compared to those without a pet. More research is needed on the link between pets and improved dementia symptoms, but these early findings may show promise.
Make sure adopting a pet is right for you
You can see the many good reasons to adopt a pet. But keep in mind that the pitter-patter of little paws can also usher in some problems. Chewed up shoes, potty training mishaps, and shredded upholstery are just a few of the common ones. Pets can also develop a serious illness or injury. That can mean costly veterinary care. And adopting a dog or cat is a long-term commitment. Dogs and cats can live 15 years or more.
It's vital to make sure you are ready—financially, physically, and emotionally—for a pet. If you’re not ready, or you are adopting a pet for the wrong reasons, it may add stress to your life rather than joy.
So, before heading to the nearest shelter, think about what kind of pet you want. Many kinds of animals make great pets, including hamsters, Guinea pigs, lizards, fish, and birds. But in the United States, the most popular pets by far are dogs and cats. So, if you’re thinking of adopting a cat or dog, ask yourself the following questions to make sure this choice is right for you.
Why do you want to adopt a pet?
Of all the questions to ask yourself before you adopt, this one may be the most important. Have you spent time around animals and know that you love and enjoy them? Do you want companionship or a cuddle buddy to lounge with on the couch? Are you looking for a canine friend to take with you on hikes or walks? These are some great reasons for wanting to adopt a pet.
People sometimes adopt pets for the wrong reasons. They may think they want a pet, but don’t realize the work, time, and money it entails. Or, they actually don’t want a pet, but their spouse or kids have been begging for one. Some people give into the impulse buy. They see an adorable kitten or puppy in the pet store window and bring it home without thinking it through.
Keep in mind that caring for a pet is a 2-way street. There is give and take involved. Pets have emotional and physical needs, too. Knowing that you want to give your love, care, and attention to a pet will help ensure a deeply satisfying and loving bond with him or her. That in turn may boost the health benefits that come with adopting a pet.
Do you have the financial means to care for a pet (for its lifetime)?
Can you afford a pet? Crunch the numbers first. Adoption fees, initial and ongoing vet care, food, grooming, pet sitting, and pet supplies can all add up. And cats and dogs can develop serious illnesses or injuries. When you have the financial means to comfortably cover the expenses of caring for a pet, you’re more likely to have a happy, stress-free experience. And this can help ensure the health benefits of having a pet.
Are you comfortable performing the tasks involved in pet care?
Caring for a pet is not always glamorous. Cleaning dirty litterboxes, picking up dog poop, feeding your pet, walking the dog every day, providing playtime and ample attention to a pet is all part of the package. So is training a new pet. Learn why training a cat is not only possible, but also a great way to enhance the bond you share.
Can you commit to caring for a pet for his or her lifetime (15 to 20 years)?
Think about how your life might change in the near and distant future—maybe over the next few years and decades. Would a new job, a move to another state, marriage, divorce, or a grandbaby impact your ability and desire to continue caring for a pet?
Adopting a pet is a long-term responsibility. Try to make sure you’re ready and willing to go the distance—no matter what comes your way.
Will a pet fit into your current lifestyle?
A full, busy life doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t adopt a pet. It’s a question of degree. And it’s about whether you can weave your pet into your daily activities. Think carefully and judge accordingly. Having enough time to spend with your pet is key to enjoying the many health benefits he or she can offer. Plus, dogs and cats are also prone to separation anxiety, which is something you’ll want to avoid.
Will you have patience when destructive behavior or accidents occur?
Accidents happen. And dogs and cats can cause a bit of destruction. A dog may chew your yoga mat or eat the flowers in your carefully tended planter. You may lose a favorite pair of socks or your prized running shoes. A dog may even “steal” your sandwich from your plate when you aren’t looking. A cat may claw your curtains or sofa. Cats also like to knock things off shelves.
Are you prepared mentally to remember that you can’t blame an animal for acting like an animal? If you think your patience may wear thin, resist the urge to adopt. Or adopt an older animal who may have less puppy or kitten energy. But with almost any uncaged animal, prepare to be surprised by the kinds of trouble they get into.
Making your decision
Ultimately, when deciding whether to adopt a pet, be honest with yourself. If you’re ready to pour the time and energy (and some money) into a pet, go ahead and bring home that adorable puppy or kitten. Or, if you’re not ready for a cat or dog, a hamster, Guinea pig, lizard, fish, or bird may be a better pet for you.
Caring for a pet may come with some amount of stress from time to time. But it also brings a host of mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. Just think about whether the happiness a pet brings you will outweigh any stress you might feel. Then you can revel in the joy, laughter, and love that adopting a pet will bring to your life—along with all the wonderful health perks, too.
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References
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This article was written by Sharon Odegaard, edited by Gail Olson, and clinically reviewed by Jossue Ortiz, DC.
