Pets and Pet Owners in Your Community: Staying Healthy and Connected

PET CARE

Pet Owners in Your Community

6 min read
Jan 17, 2022

In these uncertain times, when we are being asked to stay home and refrain from unnecessary social interaction, most people are feeling anxious and concerned about the future.

However, even though your regular routine is disrupted, you can still take care of your physical and mental well-being.  It is essential to continue to get outdoors and exercise, as well as maintain a social support network.

For example, if you have not considered getting to know other pet owners in your area, now might be the perfect time to do so (from a safe distance)! Additionally, there are many positive ways that animals can impact our physical and mental well being daily.

Animals Support Mental Health

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has reported the findings of several studies that indicate animals help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression in their human counterparts.

Humans Are Social Creatures

Humans thrive on interaction with others.  However, in times of stress, many people tend to withdraw, leaving them isolated and lonely.

According to the National Institute of Health, there is a connection between social isolation and loneliness and other health problems.  People who are not connected to others are at higher risk for cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. 

Often just meeting a few fellow animal lovers in the area can help people establish support systems, so they don’t feel alone.

Animals Can Help People Work Through Community Issues

Wherever people are divided, animals can be a powerful tool in bringing people together.

Bringing people together is not only healthy, but it is the only way to solve public safety issues, such as: 

  • Abandoned and free-roaming animals
  • Homeless animals
  • Spay and neuter clinics
  • School curricula that address issues of animal welfare
  • Proactive approaches to responsible pet ownership

Pets Teach Tolerance

In today's busy society, where we are often rushing through our separate lives, pets can be a fantastic leveler.  

Often pet owners find themselves meeting and talking with other pet owners because the pets want to meet one another.  Pets don’t judge based on socio-economic status, appearance, or education, which is just one of the many reasons that we love them so dearly. 

Pets Teach Children Empathy and Compassion

Pets are wonderful companions and teachers to children. Owning a pet is a good way to help teach children responsibility from a young age. The good news is when the chores involve caring for a companion a child loves, he or she is less likely to see it as a negative activity.

Empathy, responsibility, and ability to connect are traits that will stay with a child and continue to develop into adulthood, creating a positive member of the broader community.

Protect your Pets

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

 

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.