In prehistoric times, animals were seen simply as a source of food and clothing. Dogs are widely thought to have been the first animal to morph from wild to domesticated, some 11,000 years ago after the first Ice Age. In the early days, dogs were basically tame wolves – kept for practical reasons like hunting, guarding and herding.  

Over thousands of years, more and more animals made the transition from working animals to being kept just as a pet. Fast forward to today and people all over the world benefit from having a pet in their lives.  

 

Creature comforts 

Many pets become part of the family – and if you’ve been lucky enough to have a much-loved pet you’ll understand the incredible bond we can have with our animals. But they’re not just a joy to have in our lives, they also help us feel better in lots of wonderful ways. For example, pets can:  

 

  • Keep you fit 
  • Help you make friends 
  • Lower stress and boost wellbeing 
  • Be a true companion and help combat loneliness 
  • Make you feel safer when walking or living alone 
  • Help children learn compassion and empathy 

 

Even if you don’t have a pet, there are still ways to enjoy spending time with animals. Try fostering, helping at a shelter, or offering to pet sit or dog walk for someone who needs it. 

 

References