Hot Topics     Home and Family    

4 reasons to consider adopting a pet



Pets can be a key source of comfort and joy

4 reasons to consider adopting a pet


More than 23 million American households added a four-legged family member over the last three years, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Through these trying times, pets have been a key source of comfort and joy – even improving pet parents’ overall wellbeing.

It’s no wonder that – according to Mars Petcare’s “Pets for Better Wellbeing” report – more than one-third of non-pet owners are considering adopting a pet in the next 3-5 years, and 61% of them said they’ll turn to shelters or rescues. It’s a major decision for families, but also for pets, as there are still hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

To learn more about the positive impact of pet ownership, visit Mars Petcare Annual Report. If you’re still deciding whether to add a four-legged family member, consider these four benefits:


Improve Your Wellbeing
Few things compare to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat purring contently in your lap, your pet is there to offer unconditional love. In fact, the survey revealed 92% of pet owners feel their relationship with their pets have improved both their mental and physical wellbeing over the last three years.


Serve as Your Social Sidekick
More pet owners are including their pets in their everyday routines, whether at work or during their leisure time. In fact, 85% of pet owners working from home all or part of the time said it’s important to spend at least part of their workday at home with their pets. People are also looking to hit the road with their pets by their side as 52% said they’re likely to bring their pets while traveling.

READ MORE: 6 tips for pet parents


Provide Companionship for the Whole Family
A dog is more than just “man’s best friend.” The research indicated more than 9 in 10 pet owners agree their pets complete their families or households and they are a key part of how the family spends quality time together. When it comes to children, adults said they feel pets make a positive impact by providing companionship (75%) and teaching children about responsibility (69%).


Support Your Local Shelter
If you’re ready to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter. Eighty-four percent of pet parents who adopted from shelters felt a boost in mental wellbeing from doing so. Adding a pet to your home can also support shelters in your community that are struggling to care for all the cats and dogs in need of forever homes.

(Family Features) 
Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • A gripping graphic novel looks at four infamous days in our history

    The story of prisoners' stand at Attica in 1971

    This graphic novel is a raw and powerful look at the four days of uprising at the Attica State Prison in upstate NY. The illustrations are graphic and at times, horrific. See what we can learn from history read more »
  • Delicious family meals for American Heart Healthy Month

    5 great recipes to keep your family feeling good

    We have 5 great recipes for you to try to celebrate American Heart Healthy Month. read more »
  • Centsible ways to teach kids healthy money habits

    It is imperative to secure your child's financial future

    In school, most kids only learn algebra, calculus, and trigonometry but not how to budget, save or invest. The older we get, the more responsibilities we have that make it challenging to focus on learning financial principles, which is why it is key to start teaching kids healthy money habits at a young age. read more »
  • 5 easy ways to save energy in the kitchen

    Make a few of these simple adjustments

    The kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s also a space where you can waste a lot of energy if you’re not careful. By making a few simple adjustments to your habits in the kitchen, you can easily cut your energy bills and do your part to help the environment. read more »
  • Participate in The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

    Kids learn about birds and conservation

    The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 16-19) is a great way for people – especially families and kids – to engage with the outdoors right in their own backyard, and the TurfMutt Foundation encourages everyone to participate. read more »
  • How to turn your finances around in the months ahead

    One in three Americans say they are struggling to get by

    Many consumers are feeling financial strain after a challenging economic year in 2022. One in three Americans say they are struggling to get by or are in trouble financially. read more »
  • 4 home improvement ideas

    Tips from the experts

    Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started. read more »
  • Highly rated diets to support heart health

    Experts take the guess work out of choosing

    Eating healthy is an important goal for people looking to maintain or improve their physical health, particularly as it relates to the heart. With often conflicting information available online and via social media, it may be difficult or downright confusing to find the eating plan for you. read more »
  • 7 Valentine's Day date ideas to break from the norm

    Think outside the box this year

    If you’re feeling pressure to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date, it may be time to veer away from tradition. While flowers, chocolates and dinner for two is a classic, thinking outside the box can make for just as romantic of an experience. read more »
  • Start your day strong with this strawberry oatmeal smoothie

    Six ingredients and a blender are all you need

    Making a delicious oatmeal smoothie has never been easier. Just six ingredients and a blender are all you need to make the perfect fruit smoothie at home. Deliciously sweet and creamy this strawberry oatmeal smoothie makes for a healthy and filling breakfast or snack. read more »