Keeping pets and taking care of them creates a sense of responsibility in you. This sense of responsibility helps your mental state. Truly, pets trust us for everything and this can give your life a special meaning and purpose. No matter what issues you are going through, your pet will be by your side to help you.

   It's no secret that kids love animals, and if they're old enough, owning a pet can teach them many important skills. Not only will they learn the practical skills needed to own a pet, such as cage cleaning and grooming, but they will also develop nurturing and empathy skills that are vital to their lives.

   A recent Washington State University study showed that students who pet an animal for just ten minutes significantly reduced their production of the stress hormone cortisol. Imagine how much you can reduce stress if you have an animal around you all the time.