People have always had a strong urge to nurture animals. Modern society continues this commitment to the care of pets. In a climate of constant change and fundamental shifting of values, Australians are placing increasing importance on the role of pets in their lives.
The reliable and unconditional companionship offered by pets can be most rewarding. Human-pet relationships do not require the same effort as human ones, yet the rewards are love, gratitude, fun and companionship. The soothing stroking of an animal provides comfort and relief from the demands of human relationships.
Modern lifestyles can create loneliness, isolation and a sense of vulnerability. Companion animals help to counter these problems. Pet owners are less likely to report feeling lonely than non-pet owners and 58% of owners say they met and made friends through having pets.
Studies have shown there is a marked increase in social contact if disabled people have an animal with them. Pets act to break down the barriers.
Pets have become far more than just companions. Increasingly, Australians talk about the need to 'get back to basics', to simplify their lives and regain some 'traditional values'. Pets are strongly associated with these goals.
91% of pet owners report feeling 'very close' to their pets, almost as many as report feeling close to their families!
"They give you so much joy, the household wouldn't be the same without them."*
Companion animals can positively influence child development. Studies have revealed greatly improved social competence and self-esteem in children with pets compared to those without. Following from this, children with pets are less likely to criminally offend in later life. Children can learn about responsibility, gentle handling, animal behaviour and death by living with a pet. Parents may use pets to assist in teaching their children. "It's good for the kids to learn to care for something other than themselves in these times when they have so much."*
Pets serve us in many ways - not only for companionship but also for work and as therapy.
They have proved invaluable in a number of roles. Examples are: guide dogs for the blind, 'hearing' and assistance dogs for the disabled, and 'sniffer' dogs used by police and customs. Sheep and cattle dogs help with stockwork. Horses help with riding for the disabled programs. Cats provide vermin control. Companion animals assist with therapy in hospitals, prisons, psychiatric institutions, nursing homes and schools.
"My mother's in a nursing home and there's a dog there - the patients love it. People have this affinity with animals - the problem is everyone feeds it and it has to go to the health farm now and then."
"Pensioners and old people like them for company - if you see them without pets you wonder what they do for company."
* * Quotes from the study What Australians Feel About Their Pets'
Australian life is rapidly changing. There have been major shifts in values, opinions, relationships, technology, multiculturalism, politics and economic security. These changes may induce a sense of insecurity, feelings of loss of control and confidence plus increasing isolation and stress.
Dealing with stress has become a major factor in the lives of many Australians. Pets offer a therapeutic and non-threatening strategy to reduce stress.
Pet owners, in general, have higher levels of self-esteem than non pet owners.
Children brought up with pets show better social skills and empathy with others than children with no pets. Pets can act as 'security blankets', unquestioning confidantes and valuable companions. These aspects are increasingly important as family unit size shrinks.