Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The
unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may
also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with
their emotional and social skills.
An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits from an
animal? And which type of pet brings health benefits?
Over the past 10 years, NIH has partnered with the Mars Corporation’s
WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition to answer questions like these by funding
research studies.
Scientists are looking at what the potential physical and mental health
benefits are for different animals—from fish to guinea pigs to dogs and
cats.