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Pets
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Having a pet can be very rewarding and provides a lot of people with a much-needed companion. This is especially true in later life, when you may not have the family or social networks that you once did.

There are many benefits to keeping a pet, but you should remember that looking after an animal can also be very demanding and is not something that should be taken on without a lot of thought and consideration.

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Things to consider before getting a pet

We have listed here some of the points to think about before making this important decision. You may also find it useful to talk to a family member, friend or neighbour who already has a pet, for their advice.

Different types of pets require different levels of care so it might be an idea to get a pet that suits your lifestyle. For example, a dog needs regular exercise, birds and small animals have to be cleaned out regularly, whereas cats need little more than regular meals and affection.

• Companionship – Having a pet means that you will always have company. Although it may not be the same as having another person in the house, it can be a very good substitute.

• Exercise – If you have a dog, this will help to keep you active as they need exercising every day. It may also help you to meet new people, as you will usually see other dog owners walking their pets. If you already have a dog and you are finding it difficult to look after, there are organisations that may be able to help.

• Health benefits – Research has shown that having a pet can be beneficial to your health. Pet owners have been found to suffer less from headaches, colds and hay fever, and having a pet can also help to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Pet owners also say that they suffer less from stress and depression, and it is thought that having a pet can help people to cope better with bereavement.

• Cost – You should always take into consideration that pets can be expensive to care for. Pet food can be fairly cheap, but there are other costs involved such as healthcare. Over the course of a lifetime it can cost £16,000 – £31,000 to care for a dog, around £17,000 for a cat and about £9,000 for a rabbit.

• As well as the benefits for yourself, remember that by having a pet you are giving a home to an animal that could otherwise be living in an animal shelter or be stray.
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