An interesting trend that the COVID-19 pandemic has created is a spike in pet ownership. Over 50% of Canadians claim to own a pet now. This rise has some solid logic behind it, since we have all been put into a position of distance and isolation. While the immediate effects of companionship are very noticeable, there are plenty of under the radar benefits to your physical and mental health. One of the more obvious benefits you will start to notice is the increase of your own activity. Whether it comes from taking your dog for a walk or even running errands for kibble, exercise releases neurotransmitters in your brain which can boost your mood. While you may be your pet’s personal caretaker, that does not mean that they do not have roles to play as well. Dogs and cats are very good at sensing how you are feeling. They accomplish this by observing your behaviour, body language and tone of voice. When they notice that you are not acting like your usual self, pets often make gestures to try and cheer you up. This can range anywhere from cuddling up with you to presenting you a dead animal they caught from outside. Who could’ve thought that buying a pet could replace your need for therapy! Another benefit pets provide is an increased motivation and productivity level. Having to take care of something can give the laziest person a sense of purpose in their life, especially when that something is a loveable ball of fur. Having a pet gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning, which is a common struggle a lot of people go through. You can also create healthier habits that mix in exercise, early mornings and responsibility. We all have parental instincts in us, and while our birth rates may be down across North America, that doesn’t mean we cant put those natural instincts to work by taking care of a pet.

Eric Ward – Unsplash