Could a pet make you happier?
We all want happiness in our lives, and it turns out a pet could be the answer to that, says new research.
A study of over 2,000 UK pet owners for the National Office of Animal Health has revealed that owning a pet could be the key to a happier, healthier life. Figures reveal that 87% of those surveyed claim to be happier as a result of owning a pet and around half believe that spending time with their pet reduces their stress levels.
More than one in five state they are at their happiest when spending time with their pet, and a quarter believe they have become more active since owning a pet. 10% claim that they are more aware of their own health needs as a result of owning a pet.
NOAH Chief Executive, Philip Sketchley comments:
“Once again, the findings show clearly that our pets really are members of the family, and reinforce the unique bond British owners have with their pets.”
The study was commissioned to mark the second year of NOAH’s ‘I Heart My Pet’ campaign and the launch of its newly revamped www.pethealthinfo.org.uk website, designed to encourage owners to seek expert preventative healthcare advice for their animals. The campaign was created in response to NOAH figures which show that despite our love for our pets, many owners neglect to take preventative healthcare measures such as vaccination and worming.