Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for an animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat. Of increasing concern is the sale of exotic pets (e.g., jaguars, alligators, ocelots, monkeys, apes, kinkajous, etc.).
- Inundated with requests and rising costs, Ms Doelle has asked the government to fund her initiative, but says she has been forced to turn away some animals.
- Pet certification requirements vary from country to country.
- The study identifies it as the same trait in evolution responsible for domestication and concern for animal welfare.
- Dogs arriving from high-risk countries need to be at least 16 weeks old and have their rabies shots before traveling into the U.S.
- See how much you know about the unconventional animals people keep as pets in this quiz.
Whether mixed breed or purebred, dogs and cats adopted from a shelter or rescue group make excellent pets. For the most part, pets end up in a shelter through no fault of their own. If any shelter or rescue animal exhibits aggressive behavior, it is typically euthanized rather than offered for adoption. Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule. Studies have shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements—and exercising every day is great for the animal as well.
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However, such findings have not been consistent as other studies reported zero or even negative effects of pet ownership on physical and mental health. Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements. Only service dogs traveling to the U.S. from high-risk countries with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American. Contact Special Assistance to request travel with a cat or dog in cabin from a high-risk country.
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Some children with autism or other learning difficulties are better able to interact with Pets News than people. Autistic children often rely on nonverbal cues to communicate, just as animals do. And learning to first connect with a pet may even help an autistic child in their interactions with people. Not only do children who grow up with pets have less risk of allergies and asthma, many also learn responsibility, compassion, and empathy from having a dog or cat. Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older.
Dogs need daily exercise to stay calm and well-balanced; most other pets require at least daily care and attention. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking a dog, cat, or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed. Here’s how caring for a dog, cat, or other animal can help relieve depression and anxiety, lower stress, and improve your heart health. Get the latest on adoption processes, learn how local shelters and rescue groups are adapting and find out what you can do to help dogs and cats in need right now. Often, pets have been used as a source of food when other sources become scarce.