by the Editor     Pets can play an important role in children’s lives and they are often referred to as 'one of the family'. As well as providing a constant source of enjoyment, friendship and fun, many pets thrive in a family and household environment, and provide many benefits and learning opportunities for children.

Many parents recognise the benefits of growing up with a family pet, especially if they themselves have had successful and close relationships with animals as children. Parents have traditionally encouraged children to respect and care for animals in the belief that this would enable children to become more caring, compassionate and responsible.

According to the UK Pet Health Council, there’s an increasing wealth of research proving that pet ownership has considerable educational and therapeutic benefits for children. Studies demonstrate children who interact with animals have higher levels of self-esteem, have greater empathy and better social skills, and in certain cases, improved behaviour, better academic outcomes and values. Physical benefits include more exercise, and an improved immune system.

Children with low self-esteem may talk to, or confide in, an animal in ways they would not with people. They are often more confident in performing tasks they find difficult with an animal simply because the animal does not care if mistakes are made, nor will the child be afraid of looking silly in front of the animal.

The UK Pet Health Council says that parents, teachers and therapists can harness children’s interest in animals to encourage them to talk about problems, to overcome shyness and to facilitate friendships with other children.

There is also evidence to show that children with emotional, social, learning or behaviour disorders can benefit enormously from the presence of and interaction with a companion animal. Typically children who are withdrawn become more confident in the presence of animals and participate more fully in lessons. Those who are hyperactive often become quiet, absorbed and more focused in lessons.

The studies further suggest children in dog owning families also have more traditional values, better academic achievement and greater respect for their parents.  There are often positive attitudinal changes in young people following the introduction of animals to their lives. In learning to care for the animal, they are also acquiring foundation skills required for parenting. In addition, passage through the teenage years – a difficult time for many – is facilitated by a relationship with a non- judgemental, ever supportive animal friend in whom one can confide fears and worries.

“There is considerable scientific research that show pets help reduce stress for children, adults and older people,” says Susie Willis from the Petcare Information and Advisory Service. “There is no doubt that the bond between people and pets goes beyond simply caring for each other.  In times of trouble, pets can help people to express emotions and ‘share’ their thoughts and feelings in ways that they might not otherwise.  Pets also help people to connect with others in their community which is one of the measures of a healthy lifestyle”.

The benefits of pets go beyond the therapeutic and educational to bring significant physical health benefits too. One of the more obvious health benefits is that of exercise – dog walking or playing with a cat is a great way for kids to get out and exercise.  Many families are now acquiring pets to encourage children, especially boys, to spend more time in the “real”, rather than the “virtual” world.

Recent research from the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) reveals that children who walk their pet dog also are more likely to engage in general independent outdoor activities without adult supervision.

Results showed that children who walk their pet dog were more likely, than children who do not have a pet dog, to have independently done the following activities five or more times in the previous week: play in the street, play in the back yard, play in the front yard, go to the local park, or go to a friend’s house.

ACER Research Fellow Catherine Underwood said the study found that children who walked their pet dog demonstrated greater awareness of their neighbourhood.  “They were more likely to know their way around their local area and included greater detail in their drawings of their neighbourhood than children who did not own a dog,” said Underwood. “It is important that children have a well balanced lifestyle that combines study and outdoor physical activity. A pet dog will encourage such positive behaviour.”

According to the UK Pet Health Council research has also shown that pets have an important role to play in building up a child's immune system. Children who live with a cat or dog in their first years of life have a lower incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop animal-related allergies. 

Recent studies also show that the immune systems of children (particularly between the ages of five and eight) of pet-owning families are more stable than those of children from non-pet owning families - the result being that making pet-owning children are better able to fend off illness.

Looking after pets is a big responsibility and teaches kids some important life lessons.  Children learn about the requirements of a living being, and pets are often the first experience children have with death and grieving.

The ´Help an Animal Smile´ program (QLD) teaches kids the importance of caring for pets properly.
Five things for families with children to remember to Help an Animal Smile:

• You can´t switch animals off.  Animals need you to care for them every day - not just on the days that you want to care for them.
• You need to spend time caring for animals.  Different kinds of animals need to be cared for in different ways. It's important to learn how to care for your animal.
• Animals need a special place to live.  It's important to find out what kind of special place and special needs each kind of animal requires to stay happy, healthy and smiling.
• Animals need the right kind of food.  Find out what foods are good and bad for your animals, and make sure they get the right kind of food.
• Animals like to keep healthy.  It´s important to give your animals all their vaccinations and other necessary treatments to keep them healthy and prevent them getting sick. Some animals also need plenty of exercise.

And let’s not forget, one of the best reasons for having a pet is that pets are fun! Pets and children can form a wonderful close bond, giving them many years of joy, and great memories to look back on.

Links:

Pet Health Council

ACER Research

Dogs Victoria 

PetNet

Help an Animal Smile 

Pet Safety Kids’ Link