Image source: Raisa Ruschel / Flickr
Do you consider your pets an integral part of your home and family life?
Well, you’re certainly not alone. Studies indicate that 69% of Americans own at least one animal, and 90% of these pet owners consider their friend a member of their family. Gestures of appreciation, like purchasing your pet holiday costumes or gifts, are only becoming more and more common. And honestly, why shouldn’t they be? Our dogs, cats, and other animals bring a great deal of unconditional love and friendship into our lives. Here are five major reasons why animals are definitely family members:
1. Pets are Amazingly Smart
As animal biologists become more sophisticated in their research on pet behavior, they continue to discover that animals are much smarter than we ever thought before. In fact, some even believe that pets aren’t necessarily less intelligent than humans; they just have different forms of intelligence. Understanding this fact can lead to better animal welfare, according to Cambridge Professor Donald Broom.
2. Pets are Protective of People
While many pet owners believe that dogs are the most protective creatures, this isn’t always true. All domesticated animals maintain some wild instincts, and protection of their human families is high on this list. There is no shortage of news stories of cats saving their owners’ lives, including by alerting the family to impending danger through loud cries.
Image source: alyak / Flickr
3. Animals Experience Separation Anxiety
Animals become accustomed to routines, just like humans. While most dogs and cats are accustomed to their owners’ work schedules, trips and vacations can be very disruptive to animals. Researchers report that depression and anxiety are common when animals are left alone by pet owners, especially when they experience a major disruption in their environment or routine.
While you may not be able to communicate to your best friend that you’ll be coming home in a week, hiring a pet sitter for personalized care in your own home can minimize your animals’ risk of sadness during your absence.
4. Animals Grieve
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just a food source to your pet, you’re certainly mistaken. Science confirms what many pet owners have known all along; animals have complex emotions, and will go through a grieving process if they lose their owner or another animal in the home. Animals form deep bonds and connections just like humans, which is why it’s crucial to provide the most stability possible for your furry friends.
Image source: niels kliim/flickr
5. Pets Really Love Their Owners
You know that rush of warm, fuzzy feelings you get when your pet greets you at the end of a long, hard day? Turns out, your animal is feeling something quite similar. The structures of the brain that correspond to love and attachment are actually very similar in both pet owners and their animal friends.
Anxious about how your pet will fare during your upcoming work trip or vacation? Contact us for more information about quality, experienced pet sitting services in your own home!