Benefits of Pet Ownership

Benefits of Pet Ownership “I think I could turn and live with the animals. They are so placid and self-contained,” writes American poet Walt Whitman (Schellenberg 1). Yes, pets have been part of human culture throughout history, and in American households, they are more common than children. It is reported that 58% of U.S. households have at least one pet, whereas only 35% have children (Whitaker; Witherell 76). Owners spend billions of dollars each year on pet food, …

…be for everyone. Thus, successfully having a pet requires balancing the benefits and risks of sharing one’s life with an animal (Schellenberg 3). Works Cited Avanzino, Richard. “Pet Owners Are a Healthy Breed.” Burlington Boutique and Villager. 20 Nov. 1996. Schellenberg, Diana. “A Friend Indeed.” Harvard Health Letter. Dec. 1993: 1-3. Simross, Lynn. “Pets on Duty.” DollarSense. Summer 1996: 14+. Whitaker, Julian. “Adopt a Pet For Your Own Health.” Human Events. 15 July 1994. Witherall, Mary. “Rover, Heal!” American Health. Sept. 1995: 76-77.