Psychologists reveal that pets have many positive impacts on their owners, conveying emotions of unconditional love and security.

The advantages of a human-pet relationship are manifold. To older individuals, a pet can mean an encouragement to conduct their usual daily activities. A dog’s demand on being walked for example fosters exercise and might improve the state of fitness among owners.

To mentally affected patients that suffer from dementia, pets might have a calming effect. Pets might further entertain their owners and increase their levels of happiness.

Pets might also be used to cover tragic losses of family members. A concerned daughter underlines: "Mum has always been devoted to our pets, but since my Dad's death, they have become her family and her deepest attachments”.

Children’s ability to learn might be supported with help of animals. The strengthening of the emotion of empathy through a pet might be transferred to other human-to-human relations in later life.

Many young adults nowadays decide to first be responsible for a pet and then being prepared for having a baby. Some couples even replace having children with raising a pet.

Research at the University of Chicago found that more than 85% of all pet owners see a family member in their animal.