Puppy love is good for kids

A five year study of 600 children aged 3-18 years revealed that pet owning children who are slow learners or whose parents have divorced cope better with life than those who don't have a pet. Scientists found that the children have higher levels of self-esteem and function better emotionally than those without pets.

Some teachers have now introduced pets into the classroom to positively stimulate the social integration and social competence of children. Children with learning disabilities and behavioural disorders such as autism, for example, show immediate benefits from animal assisted therapy. Pets As Therapy is a charity which arranges the visits of pets to hospitals (and residential homes) so that those in need can benefit. For more information on the benefits of owning pets for children please click here.

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