Research shows that owning, caring for, and playing with a pet can help the mental health of kids — and everyone.
Jessie Hitt Director of Humane Education and Community Engagement for the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) agrees.
“Yes, I think having an animal companion can help mental health in children,” Hitt said. “Most children have an innate fondness and curiosity about animals. A pet gives a child the chance to bond with and care for another living being. This helps kids build confidence and empathy, which in turn has a positive impact on mental health.”
The Humane Society pairs many kinds of pets with people, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.
Some animals have been rescued or have issues that the previous owners could not handle, and some families can’t afford a pet and its veterinary care and need to give the animal up for those or similar reasons. So, it often helps the animal and owner care for a pet.
“We have a lot of families come in to look for an animal companion,” Hitt said. “We also have several youth programs, such as Camp Paws, Rescue Reading and field trips. There are always kids who fall in love with an animal during those programs and try to convince their family to adopt.”
Pets can provide companionship, reduce anxiety, boost self-confidence, relieve stress, combat isolation and encourage routine and outdoor activity. For example, a pet loves a person unconditionally. Their presence, physical expressions, and eyes often comfort them.
“Animals are a non-judgmental friend,” said Hitt. “They will listen without asking anything in return. That can be a very powerful thing for a child!”
Caring for an animal can also develop empathy, compassion and trusting relationships with others.
“Most of the time children don’t have control over their day-to-day lives,” Hitt said. “Adults tell them what to do and provide for them. But children can help take care of the pets in their home, which shows children that they are skilled and capable which builds self-esteem. Learning how to care for others and observing similarities between themselves and the animal helps a child build empathy and compassion.”
The Humane Society will even help people to understand nonverbal communication with animals.
“Actually, teaching children how to understand cat and dog body language is a big part of what we do at HSHV,” Hitt said. “We often do this by playing a game of charades and demonstrating human emotion first. Children are always very quick to recognize human body language. We then explain that animals also show how they’re feeling with body language and that some of the things they do are similar to us. It’s a great connection to make.”
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There is also an increased socialization aspect to owning a pet.
“Going out for walks or attending training classes is one way having a pet can widen someone’s social circle,” Hitt said. “Also, people love to talk about pets! Just having a pet can invite conversation.”
Sometimes, owning a pet can encourage its owner to go outdoors more.
“Well, certainly with a dog, it’s necessary to go outside,” Hitt said. “Dogs need to go for walks or have play time. Kids can definitely help with that.”
Hitt concluded with suggestions for children and parents thinking about adding a pet to their family.
“We mostly care for dogs and cats, but we care for other types of pet animals, too, such as: rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, reptiles, and birds,” Hitt said. “I would always recommend doing a little research before deciding on an animal to bring home. A family has to consider the needs of the animal and if their home would be a good fit. Bridget Heos has a great series of books called ‘Do You Really Want a Dog’…cat, lizard, et cetera… It’s a great place to start.”