#1: More compassion, empathy and care for others

Research shows that kids who regularly interact with pets have an advantage when building relationships with people.

Pets are a great training ground for building relationships - they won’t pass judgment when your child forgets to use good manners or is having a crummy day. But above all, they require care and responsibility. Kids will become more aware of the needs of others as they watch out for their pets.

#2: Better mental and physical health

Pets are major mood boosters and wonderful companions.

• Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine - the brain’s “happiness chemicals”
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those who don’t own pets
• People with domestic animals have lower blood pressure in high-stress situations than those without

Both children and adults fare better mentally and physically with a household pet, and the benefits aren’t limited to cats or dogs - researchers have also seen calming effects from having fish and other small animals at home.

#3: A best friend for your child

As parents we spend hours every week trying to keep our children entertained, stimulated and happy (and out of trouble!). Something as simple as walking the family dog or petting the cat can be a fun and relaxing part of your child’s daily routine. As a bonus, playing with pets is an excellent way for your child to befriend these special members of your family.

Kids can face friendship struggles at any age. A 5-year-old might be anxious about finding playmates at school and a 15-year-old might worry about rifts pulling apart their friend group. But through all the friendship challenges of youth and adulthood, pets are our constant, loving companions.

#4: Opportunities to learn

Good pets are trained pets: they can respond to basic commands, behave well in public and are safe around other animals and people. Most kids are totally capable of training calm, non-aggressive pets with the right tools and some help from their parents. Training a new dog or cat can even be a bonding project that you work on as a family.

Through training a new pet, your kids will learn patience and consistency. They’ll build solid habits and see the benefits of working hard to achieve a goal.

#5: A bond to last a lifetime

Getting a pet is like adding a new member to your family. They’re around you constantly and will probably join in on camping trips, family reunions and other special get-togethers. They’ll pose in family photos and be at the center of many good memories. And for your children, the friendship they develop with your pets might be the first experience they have with loving and caring for someone that’s more vulnerable and innocent than they are. They’ll never forget those tender memories.

How to know if your family is ready

As badly as you and your kids may want a furry friend, make sure that everyone is ready for the responsibility. You can figure out if your household is prepared for a pet by:

• Researching the costs of owning the animal you want to buy or adopt
• Making sure you have enough space and time for the pet
• Getting all the right equipment, like crates, toys, cleaning supplies or training items
• Talking to your kids about the responsibilities of being a pet owner

If you feel ready, say an enthusiastic “YES!” to adding a furry friend to your family - your kids will be better off for it!