About half of households own pets and over 90% of pet owners regard their pet as a valued family member. People do not own pets specifically to enhance their health; rather they value the relationship and the contribution their pet makes to their quality of life. An animal that has been domesticated that lives with a human can be referred to as a pet. A few examples of animals that are kept as pets are Domestic Cats, Dogs, Tropical fish, Birds, Rabbits, Hamsters, some of the more exotic animals that are kept as pets Lizards, Big Cats, Snakes, and Insects etc. A pet is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment or a household animal, as opposed to wild animals or to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic or productive reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Different pets require varying amounts of attention and care; for example, cats have lower maintenance requirements than dogs. Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress. |