There’s a big difference between imagining a life shared with a pet – and actually bringing one home. Without a doubt, their sweet, silly cuteness goes a long way toward solidifying your bond,  but when things start to get “real” around the house, expectations and reality may collide. To truly understand the immense responsibility, a new pet owner should zoom out to focus on the big picture.

If you have pets, you know what a mood boost it is to see your dog greet you at the door after a long day at work. Or how good it feels to have your cat jump up on your lap for some snuggle time. This human-animal bond is something we can all feel, and perhaps even explain. But did you know that pet ownership is also good for your health? Aside from the feel-good aspect of pet ownership, there are mental, emotional, and physical benefits, too. What’s not to love?

Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital sees the bond between pets and their people every day, and it’s one of the very best parts of our job. So, we were excited to dig deeper into the health benefits of owning a pet. Continue…