How pets help children

Pets can instil a sense of responsibility in children and have a positive impact on their social, emotional development

- Nameeta Nadkarni

Anyone who has brought a pet into their home can attest to how it has changed their life for the better. Children benefit from it too. Beyond the fun of playing and cuddling, pets offer all sorts of advantages for a child's physical, emotional and social development.

The bond formed with a pet is often one of the purest relationships a child can experience. This companionship can be incredibly reassuring, particularly during times of stress, loneliness or sadness. Children often confide in their pets, expressing their emotions freely-recognising them as non-judgemental listeners.

Moreover, there's evidence to support the positive impact of pets on a child's emotional well-being. A 2012 study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that children with pets tend to have higher selfesteem and better overall emotional health. Additionally, research from 2016, featured in the journal Psychology & Health, revealed that children with autism spectrum disorders experienced reduced anxiety levels and improved emotional regulation when interacting with therapy dogs.