Why children should have pets BY AADYA JHA G6-A

Do you have a pet? The crazy thing about pets is that now almost every other person has a
pet. People's opinions on buying pets for their children are very controversial. Some think a
child should not be raised with a pet while others believe they should. Pets help to increase a
child's physical health, emotionally support them and give them company.

To begin with, pets are a great resource to increase your physical health. A child could
simply increase their physical health by taking their pet on walks or cleaning the pet's living
space. According to the article “Walking the dog: The effect of pet ownership on human
health and health ownership” written by Rebbeca L.Utz, published on March 16th 2013, cat
and dog owners or pet owners in general tend to have better physical health then those with
no pets. Additionally children owning pets are more likely to do tasks more willingly. If done
willingly a pet is an excellent way to improve physical health.

Also, pets make great emotional support for children. Some children may face social
barriers or get bullied at school and this could result in them not having anyone to talk to
them not having anyone to talk to. In that case the child could talk or play with their pet to
make them happier. Although pets are unable to verbally comfort you they're an extremely
beneficial way to let things out without the fear of being judged. In a research conducted by
Bronwyn Massareli and Nancy Pachana it has been proven that companion pets are
increasingly being noticed by society as beneficial to our mental health and are considered
affectionate and authentic family members by multiple owners. When treated right, a pet is a
meaningful method to keep a child's mental health safe.

Finally, pets give great company to a child. If a child is left home alone and has no one to
talk to or play with, their pet could give them company. Having a pet as company could
possibly increase a child's happiness as being lonely tends to cause sadness. In an article
titled “Are dogs children, companions or just animals? Understanding variations in people's
orientations towards animals.” written by David D.Blouin it shows that pets are important to
many peoples lives, often providing companionship, entertainment and meaningful
interactions. If cared for and loved, a pet can be a great companion to a kid or an adult.

In conclusion, I believe that children should grow up with pets as they are helpful in
multiple different ways such as stated above; increasing physical health, providing emotional
support and giving company. These qualities may seem basic to some but it may be life
changing to some children. Sadly at the end this is a very controversial topic and at the end
the final say is the parent or guardians.

1 BY AADYA JHA 6A