5 Life Lessons Only Pet Ownership Can Teach

Pets are cute and fun. Often, people don’t think past these two things when adopting a pet. But there are many life lessons pets can teach us, and this goes for people of all ages. A few items like pet doors can make pet ownership more convenient, but caring for a pet means self-sacrifice and a willingness to give of ourselves for the sake of another.

1. Selflessness

When a pet is hungry or sick or in danger, it doesn’t matter what the owner had planned—the needs of the pet come first. This teaches the valuable lesson of sacrificing one’s own desires for the needs or wants of another. Selflessness is a valuable quality that’s often lost in today’s society.

2. Patience

Baby puppies and kitties simply aren’t able to do everything for themselves. They take too long to eat, tend to wander the yard instead of going potty, and chew up things we’d rather they left alone. Pets teach patience—the skill of learning that there is more to life than meeting deadlines.

3. Self-Esteem

Pets love unconditionally and completely. If a child or adult struggles with self-esteem, a pet can make them feel loved and wanted in a deep and meaningful way. Pets are little fountains of self-esteem for their owners.

4. Physical Fitness

Couch potatoes beware! Pets will get you up and moving. Walking, play-time, and cleaning up after a pet is a fun and easy way to get some healthy exercise for both you and your new little friend.

5. Social Skills

Some people find it difficult to relate to others, but pets have a wonderful way of relating to anyone. If you or your child need to develop social skills, pets are a natural bridge to meeting other pet owners and starting interesting conversations. You’re never lonely while walking the dog!

All of these benefits are in addition to the love, trust, and compassion that pet ownership endows. Join the ranks and adopt a pet!