Everyone should have a pet of some kind. Close to 70% of American families have a pet, and while that’s great, I think each individual person should have a pet of some kind, even just a fish.
Here’s why:
Responsibility
This is one of the main reasons kids are given pets, starting with a goldfish and working their way up to bigger animals. My sister and I started out with two fish, who died not too long after we got them. We were heartbroken.
There were other animals in the household, cats
Being told “This animal is in your care, you have to take care of it or it won’t be yours anymore,” motivates the person to be responsible for it. Though this is mostly used for kids, I think it’s good for adults to have this responsibility as well.
Companionship
Even if they say they are, friends won’t always be there for you. They have their own lives, their own worries. They can’t be at your beck and call whenever you’re lonely. Pets, however, are.
Bad day at work? Your pet is waiting to see you at home. They’ll lick your face, sit in your lap, ask for food, swim around, whatever it is your pet does. They’ll also listen to whatever you tell them. They don’t have much of a choice, honestly.
Health benefits
There are actually health benefits that come with owning a pet. Your mood is improved, immune system strengthened, your blood pressure and cholesterol are lowered.
Don’t believe me? Here’s an article that goes into the topic a bit more, including some professional opinions.
Everyone should have a pet. I only gave three reasons why, but there are plenty more, just ask any pet-owner.