Why kids with pets are often better off than their peers

Ever wonder why some kids seem happier or more caring? The answer might be right at your feet.

Owning a pet has plenty of benefits. Did you know a cat or dog can help your children? 

While many parents might think of pets merely as furry companions, research increasingly reveals that pets can play a pivotal role in a child's development. The benefits are numerous and profound, from teaching responsibility to providing emotional support.

Pets positively influence families, but it is important to note that numerous factors can benefit children. Factors like a family's income can also affect a child's development. 

However, there are still benefits to the bond between children and pets. Here are some of the benefits of your kid having a pet. 

Reduces stress and anxiety

The 2023 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth reveals a concerning trend: children across Canada are facing significant challenges with their mental health. 

Similarly, findings from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey highlight the growing mental health struggles of Ontario students. According to the survey, 37 per cent of students report experiencing high stress levels, while 51 per cent report moderate to severe psychological distress—a figure that has doubled over the past decade.

Having a furry friend can significantly boost your child’s mental well-being by reducing stress, easing anxiety, and building resilience to life’s challenges. Pets provide more than just companionship—they can profoundly impact emotional health. Spending time with them, petting them, or even simply being around them triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone scientifically linked to reduced stress levels, as noted by Queen’s University. 

Interacting with pets can also lower stress hormones, like cortisol, while boosting feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, according to Medical News Today. Moreover, taking your pet outside fosters a deeper connection to the world around you, enhancing your ability to manage stress. 

Pets can also sense their owners' emotions. According to a study from Cambridge University, pets are intuned with human emotions. They know when we are happy or sad and tailor their behaviour accordingly. 

Cats have an extra trick up their sleeve. Cats purr when content, but also as an act of self-soothing. Their purring, between 25 and 150 Hertz, can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even heal bones and tissues, says the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Essentially, your cat is a living, purring stressbuster.   

Children's Hospital Colorado says pets help kids manage stress and improve behaviour. These daily interactions teach kids to balance their emotions and understand others—key skills for building strong relationships.   

Promotes physical activity

Pets are great motivators for staying active, encouraging regular exercise like walking, running, or playing fetch—all of which support heart health and overall fitness. The Canadian Psychological Association highlights that outdoor time boosts mood and reduces stress. A simple 10-minute walk in nature can significantly improve your child's focus and mood. 

Struggling to get your kids outside? A dog might be the perfect solution! Evidence suggests that people with pets, like dogs—or even adventurous cats who enjoy leashed walks—are more likely to meet their daily exercise goals than those without. Pets naturally inspire regular physical activity, helping their owners maintain a healthy weight and support cardiovascular health.

Walking or playing with your pet creates a sense of routine and responsibility, strengthening the bond between you and your pet while offering grounding benefits for your overall well-being.

Provides companionship

Pets are more than companions—they’re loyal friends and a source of unconditional love. A child’s bond with pets can feel even stronger than with siblings. Research from the University of Cambridge shows kids often find relationships with pets more fulfilling than those with brothers or sisters. Pets don’t argue or criticize; they offer constant support, fostering emotional security. 

Other research from the same university shows that pets—especially dogs—help children build social connections. A wagging tail at the park can encourage shy kids to interact and form friendships. Pets also create shared experiences, helping people connect with other pet owners and build support networks. 

Whether it’s the quiet comfort of a cat curled up nearby or the joy of a dog greeting you at the door, pets ground us with their companionship. They teach children about trust, connection, and the simple joy of being loved.

Teaches responsibility and empathy

Caring for a pet offers children a hands-on way to develop responsibility while enjoying the companionship of a furry friend. Daily tasks like feeding, grooming, and exercising pets help kids build accountability and improve their time management and organizational skills.

Psychology Today notes that pet care encourages kids to show up for others, fostering empathy and responsibility. Everyday tasks like feeding pets or cleaning up after them highlight how much others depend on the child. These simple routines transform into meaningful lessons, teaching responsibility, commitment, and compassion.

Beyond practical skills, interacting with pets nurtures empathy and kindness. As children learn to care for their pets, they develop patience, understanding, and a deeper sense of connection—qualities that benefit them throughout their lives.

Ultimately, these experiences help kids grow into more dependable and confident individuals. Their pet serves as both a loyal companion and a gentle teacher, guiding them toward emotional maturity and preparing them to face future challenges with resilience and compassion.

Develops social skills

Pets play a vital role in fostering children's social and emotional development. Harvard Magazine highlights how activities like teaching a dog to sit or fetch give kids opportunities to practice patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. These simple tasks help instill responsibility, boost confidence, and create moments of achievement.

Pets also serve as natural connectors, bringing communities closer together. A 2015 study involving 2,700 participants found that pet owners were 60 per cent more likely to form connections with their neighbours compared to non-pet owners. Dog owners, in particular, often forge friendships through their pets, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Beyond social benefits, pets help children develop emotional intelligence and empathy. Animals communicate through body language—like wagging tails or perked ears—teaching kids to interpret non-verbal cues and respond with care. Interacting with pets also gives children a safe outlet to express their emotions. The Ottawa Humane Society notes that children with pets often grow up feeling more self-assured and experience a stronger sense of safety and belonging within their families and communities.

Protect your pet

Cats and dogs don't just become a part of the family; they teach kids compassion, responsibility, and the value of unconditional love. From wagging tails to comforting purrs, their bond creates memories that last a lifetime.

Help protect your furry family members while saving 13.5% on pet insurance as a CAA Member*.

*CAA Members receive a 13.5% discount. Non-members receive a 9% discount.

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