| Today a staggering 50% plus of UK households | | | | child's immune system. |
| own a pet, from cats and dogs to snakes and | | | | |
| birds; it seems we love having pets share our | | | | With all the benefits pets can offer their |
| homes with us. People own pets for different | | | | owners and friends, what is stopping you |
| reasons, predominantly for companionship, but | | | | adopting a furry friend into your home? Well, |
| also for children, security and to show them | | | | to be honest pets can cost an unexpected |
| off! It is not just a recent fad either, | | | | fortune. A massive £73m was spent last |
| throughout England's long and established | | | | year in the UK, just on pampering dogs! |
| history, pets have played crucial parts in | | | | |
| family lives. Cats are renowned mice and rat | | | | Unfortunately rising vets' bills can be too |
| catchers, which made them essential in | | | | much for some owners, therefore, if their pet |
| combating the bubonic plague, and dogs "man's | | | | gets seriously ill or injured; the only |
| best friend" have always been associated with | | | | option for this 7% of owners is regrettably |
| royalty. | | | | drastic. Britain's dog owners spend over |
| | | | £800 million on vet fees each year, with |
| Currently there are around 9 million pet cats | | | | the average cost of treatment weighing in at |
| in the UK, and over 7 million dogs. Figures | | | | £154 a year. To make matters worse, over |
| suggest that our feline friends are more | | | | half of dog owners in the UK suspect some |
| popular than canine critters due to our | | | | vets inflate their fees by recommending |
| hectic working lives becoming increasingly | | | | non-essential treatment. |
| complex, therefore independent cats are more | | | | |
| favourable than more dependant dogs. | | | | In conclusion a pet is a fantastic addition |
| Surprisingly more exotic pets are on the | | | | to any home or family. Don't be afraid to be |
| increase, such as snakes, reptiles and | | | | adventurous and go for more unusual pets if |
| tropical fish, despite these animals | | | | you can provide the care and attention |
| requiring more attention and specialist | | | | required. Encourage friends and family to |
| demands. | | | | play and care for your animals, since it is |
| | | | mutually beneficial for everyone, especially |
| There is growing recognition that pet | | | | the pet! However just bear in mind exactly |
| ownership can have a real impact on our | | | | how much any animal can cost each year, |
| physical and psychological well being. Owning | | | | regardless whether or not it needs to visit |
| pets can benefit people of all ages. Simply | | | | the vet. If an animal does need medical |
| taking your dog on a walk or playing with | | | | attention or treatment, do not feel pressured |
| cats around the house is a form of exercise. | | | | into purchasing it from the vets itself, shop |
| Petting and stroking animals has been proved | | | | around, and especially look on the net. By |
| to lower blood pressure and reduce heart | | | | following these tips, keeping a pet can be |
| rates. Additionally having a pet can help | | | | amazing, enjoyable and relatively cost |
| speed up recovery times and build up a | | | | effective! |