It is typical to say ‘a dog is a man’s best friend.’ Therefore, one can easily downplay how
other pets play a significant role in a man’s life. Throughout the existence of man, cats, fish,
birds, hamsters, and many other domesticated animals have been providing company to millions
of people globally across all age groups. Primarily, owning pets is for companionship, as they
engage in play as well as demonstrate affection. However, the biggest benefits to owning pets are
that they extend human life and enhance overall satisfaction with life.

According to research, owning a pet, such as a dog, associates with a person’s ability to
live longer, reducing the likelihood of dying from whatever cause by 24%. Besides, it also
extends life for those suffering from medical ailments, such as heart disease. By walking dogs,
for example, a person boosts their physical activity levels, satisfying what the American Heart
Association endorses as the appropriate required activity period per week as a way to maintain
heart health. Besides, such pets boost mental health by helping individuals cope with stress better
and reduce their feelings of solitude. Most elderly people over 65 live by themselves without any
form of networking, identified as a considerable risk to their health. By owning pets, they boost
their levels of networking through relating with others, with the animals creating an appropriate
environment for triggering chats with neighbors and other animal lovers. Therefore, pets
contribute to a long life considerably by enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing.

Pets also enhance overall satisfaction with life. According to research, owning pets goes
hand in hand with having a satisfying life, with people owning multiple pets exhibiting more
fulfillment than those with a single one. They have better self-esteem and exercise routines, and
perform better on various human welfare indicators. The reason for the fulfillment is that the
more a person’s overall physical and mental wellbeing improves, the more they become
positively influenced to feel good and think confidently about their lives. Gradually, they feel
more content with their lives across different situations.