If you are or have ever been a pet owner, I probably don’t need to explain the joy of having a furry (or not so furry) friend around the house, but maybe you didn’t know all the actual health benefits they can provide. For those of you who are hesitant to take on that kind of responsibility, read below for the motivation to get you talking to a breeder or to register for a service, therapy, or emotional support dog.

Types of Dog Registration

Service Dogs

Service dogs have a wide range of tasks that they can be trained in, in order to aid those who may be visually impaired, dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, epilepsy, and more. They can even be taught how to dial 911.

Emotional Support Dogs

The difference between emotional support and service dogs is that emotional support dogs provide comfort rather than aid in physically helping with day-to-day tasks.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs aid in comforting individuals who are sick or are going through a tough time. Often times these kinds of dogs are taken to college campuses, homeless shelters, hospitals, and other facilities.

Sense of purpose

Whether you have a medical condition or not, having a certain level of responsibility and knowing that something relies on you can be extremely motivating. For those who struggle with mental health and lack a sense of purpose, being a pet owner can shift this mindset or at the very least, aid in it. Dogs need exercise, need to be fed, and need to be taken care of. These daily tasks usually coincide with a schedule. Adding a repetitive structure to your day can help you maintain a balanced life.

Other animals

Dogs (as amazing as they are) aren’t for everyone. Sometimes a factor can be that people can’t be around them due to allergies. Other animals such as cats, horses, pigs, and more can be just as therapeutic as a companion.

The science behind it

The company of a dog has been proven to lower blood pressure, and elevate serotonin and dopamine levels. If having a dog increases all of these feel-good hormones, then it can act as an informal means of therapy.

If unconditional love is something you don’t believe in, then you probably haven’t had a dog in your life just yet. Give man’s best friend a chance, and benefit from a daily dose of joy.