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Do you need a new best friend?
Would you like to get out and socialise more?
Are you looking to improve your health and fitness?
Do you need help to recover more quickly from illness?
Do you need a reliable, trustworthy companion?
Is your work or life stressful?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider becoming one of the 64 per cent of Australian households enjoying the added benefits of owning a pet1.
Pet ownership is a great way to enhance your health, happiness and mental well being says Dr Katrina Warren, celebrity television veterinarian. "My Border Collie dog, Toby, and Burmilla cat, Milly, offer constant love, fulfilment and companionship in my life. They accompany me everywhere - even on location of "Harryıs Practice," Dr Warren said.
A busy and enjoyable social life is an added benefit for many other pet owners, who meet new friends and other pet lovers through regular walks to the park and visits to their local cafes and shopping centre.
"Toby and Milly are part of my lifestyle and I include them in many daily activities. I take Toby with me in the car, for walks in the park and quick trips to the shops. Milly often comes with me when I visit my family and friends," Dr Warren said.
Itıs no wonder that Australians taking regular outings and exercise with their pets also enjoy long-term health benefits pet owners typically make less visits to the doctor, have lower blood pressure, experience less sleeping difficulties and are in better health than non-pet owners2.
Pet owners also recover more quickly from illness and surgery and are less likely to report feeling lonely3.
Dr Warren says that responsible pet ownership and spending quality time with your pet ensures many years of happiness. "The commitment to owning a pet is not to be taken lightly, with behavioural training, cleaning and grooming and regular vet checks part of the essential needs of looking after a pet", Dr Warren said. "But the rewards a constant companion who gives you unconditional love, puts a smile on your face and is always there to greet you with a wag of a tail or a joyful purr far outweigh the effort!"
Ms Denise Humphries, Consultant to Petcare Information and Advisory Service recommends the reliable and effective match making service, Selectapet to help find the perfect companion in a pet.
"Selectapet is a computer program developed by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) that provides information to help you select the right breed of pet," Ms Humphries said.
"Selectapet matches your lifestyle and living environment with various cat and dog breeds. It then provides information about pet breeds suitable to your needs and includes a photograph. Selectapet can be accessed via the PIAS Internet site: www.petnet.com.au.
Reference 1. Petcare Information & Advisory Service "Australians and their pets the facts" 2. Website www.petnet.com.au "National People & Pets Survey". 3. National Opinion Poll Survey (July 2000) conducted on behalf of The Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity, United Kingdom. Sample: 200 GPs in England, Scotland and Wales.