Pets are a part of therapy to bring more happiness and care to people who suffer from depression and loneliness.  Stress and anger are two signs that a person needs to slow down and find things to be cheerful and more relaxed.  A pet’s love for its owner is unconditional and comforting to even the most difficult people.  Research confirms that people who are isolated or who suffer from debilitating diseases become more active and positive towards others after spending time with a pet because they are able to take their mind off of themselves.  

Research has also shown that people who have pets show a reduction in a number of key health indicators, such as lower blood pressure and heart rate, less stress and anxiety, and less severe instances of depression.  The result is that less doctor visits for ailments occur and lower doctor bills.  There are numerous examples of pet owner’s lives being saved from accidents such as hypothermia.  

The act of taking care of a pet and receiving love helps to build a pet owner’s self esteem.  Pets help us to satisfy our need for nurturing and taking responsibility for the safety and care of that special animal in our lives.  A person doesn’t need to own a pet to enjoy the benefits because taking care of someone’s pet while they are away from home, visiting a pet shelter, or even placing a bird feeder in the back yard can be just as rewarding.  Pets come to love us for who we are and they have instincts to pick up when we are lonely, sad, angry, or stressed from events in our lives.