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.).
- Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.
- For the most part, pets end up in a shelter through no fault of their own.
- For instance, a cat or caged animal may be more suitable to apartment living than a large dog.
- Additional or different maintenance rules