The benefits of pet ownership are becoming more and more recognised. Evidence suggests that the holistic health benefits people gain from animals include social, mental, physical, psychological and emotional health.
“Pets have also been known to play a role in healing people – they reduce our blood pressure, they can detect diseases and conditions, they can reach autistic children and the withdrawn elderly in all ways that seem miraculous” Dr Marty Becker
The use of pets in medical settings has been shown to date back more than 150 years. Even Florence Nightingale recognised that animals can provide a level of support to ill people. Studies have more recently shown that interacting with animals can increase people’s levels of the hormone ‘oxytocin’. This hormone has some powerful effects on our body’s ability to heal. Horses have also been used as ‘therapists’ for people with disabilities. Riding can benefit people physically, and build up their core strength, body awareness and muscle memory.
Note: Please remember that pet ownership is a great responsibility that should only be taken on after extensive consideration and commitment.