When Greenville County resident Harold Moore got his first dog, Joco, at age 9 in 1970, it just seemed like a normal thing to do because everyone he knew had a dog or pet of some kind.
“Pets have always been a part of my life,” Moore said. “So far, I’ve had 25 to 40, including dogs, cats, fish, guinea pigs and even two corn snakes. But they all carry special memories, especially Joco, since he was around during my formative years, and I can’t imagine a day without walking or caring for one in some way.”
Moore is far from alone. Whether you deem it mental, physical or emotional, having pets at a young age is not only a long-standing trend for Americans but also is now seen as more important than ever as a way to improve health and add more joy to your life.
“Caring for a pet fosters a sense of responsibility and helps children develop emotionally,” said De Daltorio, chief education officer with the Charleston Animal Society. “So often, we see the natural affinity children seem to have for pets and recognize their desire to be involved in caring for them.”
This is especially true if the pet comes from an animal shelter, where plenty of dogs and cats await a good home.
“Moving from a shelter to a loving home transforms a dog’s or cat’s life, as even the best shelters struggle to provide the physical, mental and emotional stability every pet deserves,” said Daltorio, pointing out that in 2023 alone, the Charleston Animal Society found families for 4,841 homeless animals, from hamsters to horses, though mostly dogs and cats. “And although pets require effort, research shows and we strongly believe that they are worth it.”
The Animal Health Foundation, founded in 1967 in Southern California, cites eight health benefits that come from having a pet, some examples of which include:
• More physical activity. While kids in general are far more active than adults, having a pet such as a dog means automatic daily exercise since you must walk your dog at least once a day.
• Less loneliness. In early 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited loneliness and social isolation as major elements in a severe U.S. public health crisis, especially for older Americans. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help combat loneliness. Dogs especially can act as social catalysts; owners often stop to chat with other dog owners during walks.
• Less stress. Try introducing a dog or other domestic pet to a group and see what happens. Chances are, everyone will suddenly be more animated with smiles and laughs, and the presence of any glumness will magically seem to vanish.
This stress-reducing quality, while always present with youth, is fast catching on in American business. Business Wire, an international distributor of market-moving news and multimedia reports, cited survey results from OnePoll in 2022 indicating that 6 in 10 pet owners left a job to seek a workplace that was more pet friendly, and 7 in 10 were willing to take a pay cut in favor of a pet-friendly office.
Other health benefits of having pets include improved blood pressure, lowered risk of a stroke and better coping skills for children.
“Even when the pets die, I’m always more thankful than sad for having them around,” Moore said.
So if you have a child that’s never had a pet dog or cat, or even if it’s been a while since you have cared for one, places like the Charleston Animal Society are just waiting to match you with a pet that’s almost certain to make you smile more.
“We know caring for pets does add a level of responsibility – often falling primarily on parents,” Daltorio said. “But we’ve also noticed that this responsibility can build family bonds and promote healthy habits as everyone works together to care for their new companions.”
By L. C. Leach III
