Pet

A pet, also known as a companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for human company or entertainment.

This classification distinguishes them from working animals, livestock, or animals used in laboratory research. While many people choose pets based on cute appearances or intelligence, others adopt stray animals for altruistic reasons. People often keep pets to find companionship, protect their property, or simply because they find the animals beautiful. These relationships can create deep emotional bonds between humans and their animal guardians.

There is a massive variety of animals that serve as pets. Small mammals like rodents—including gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs—are common choices. Birds such as parrots and fowls are also popular, as are reptiles like turtles and iguanas. Aquatic pets include various types of fish and snails, while amphibians like frogs are also kept. Some people even choose arthropods, such as tarantulas or hermit crabs. The size of pets varies greatly, ranging from tiny rodents to very large equine or bovine animals.

Owning a pet can lead to significant physical and emotional health benefits. Walking a dog provides exercise, fresh air, and social interaction for the owner. Pets can offer vital companionship to elderly adults or people living alone. There is also a medically approved class of therapy animals used in hospitals and nursing homes. These animals participate in animal-assisted therapy to help patients reach specific physical or cognitive goals. For example, dogs can be trained as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Other dogs serve as therapeutic visitation dogs, which are household pets that visit rehabilitation facilities.

Research has explored how pets affect human biology and longevity. A 1986 study of 92 hospitalized patients with coronary ailments showed different outcomes based on pet ownership. Within one year, only 3 of the 52 patients with pets had died, compared to 11 of the 29 patients without pets. Additionally, having pets has been shown to significantly reduce triglycerides, which helps lower the risk of heart disease in the elderly. The National Institute of Health found that dog owners were less likely to die from heart attacks. However, a 2017 RAND study noted that for children, pets did not inherently improve health; rather, healthy children were simply more likely to get pets.

Pet ownership is a massive global industry with significant economic impact. In China, spending on domestic animals rose from $3.12 billion in 2010 to $25 billion in 2018. The Chinese population includes approximately 51 million dogs and 41 million cats. In the United States, there are roughly 86.4 million cats and 78.2 million dogs. In 2013, the number of pets in the U.S. outnumbered children by a ratio of four to one.

Other data shows that in Italy, a 2002 survey identified 45 million pets, including 16 million fish and 12 million birds.

Despite the benefits, pet ownership requires strict care to avoid health risks. Inappropriate feeding can be fatal; for instance, chocolate or grapes can kill dogs, and onions can cause hemolytic anemia. Certain houseplants, such as philodendrons or Easter lilies, are toxic to cats and can cause kidney damage. Pets are also susceptible to obesity due to high-caloric diets and lack of exercise. This can lead to serious conditions like diabetes, liver problems, or cancer. Owners must also manage risks like allergies from dander, potential injuries from bites, or even falls caused by tripping over a pet.

Finally, the concept of "pet parenting" has become a notable social trend. This involves using childrearing terminology, such as "dog mom" or "cat dad," to describe the relationship. This trend is often linked to urban living and economic factors. Some people choose pets instead of children because they feel they cannot afford the costs of raising a child. In the United States, 1 in 10 people have delayed or avoided having children due to financial reasons. Pets can also act as social conduits, helping owners connect with their communities and fostering new friendships.