Scientific research shows that people with pets can live
healthier, happier lives. This is a sampling of recent research
on the human-animal health connection. Basic Health Benefits Pet
owners feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking
with a dog or sharing a residence with a dog. (Serpel, 1990) Pet
owners have fewer minor health problems (Friedmann, 1990,
Serpel, 1990). Pet owners have better psychological well-being
(Serpel, 1990). Pets decrease feeling of loneliness and
isolation (Kidd, 1994). Pets are a major source of support and
increase the perception of the ability to cope. (Siegel, 1999,
Carmack, 1991). Pet owners have better physical health due to
exercise with their pets. (Serpel, 1990). People with borderline
hypertension had lower blood pressure on days they took their
dogs to work. (Allen, K. 2001). Pet owners have lower
triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners (Anderson,
1992). Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality by 3%.
This translates into 30,000 lives sav