5 Reasons Why You Should Be a Pet Owner

If you or someone you know is thinking about welcoming a dog, cat, bird, reptile, etc. into your home and heart, here's 5 reasons why you should be a pet owner:

1. You'll be happier: Did you know that just LOOKING at your pet releases the hormone, oxytocin, into your body giving you a feeling those warm and fuzzies!

2. You social life will get a boost: A study performed in WA in 2015 showed that pet owners are 60% more likely to meet their neighbors.

3. People with pets are healthier: your children will have less problems with allergies if they grow up with pets. You'll get more exercise, have lower risk of coronary artery disease and more likely recover from a heart attack.

4. Your kids will be more empathetic and more popular

5. Pets take care of you! When pet owners are not feeling well mentally or physically, our pets can feel it too. When pet owners are emotionally connected to their pet, they're most likely get a few more cuddles from the family dog and the cat may sit in your lap longer than usual when we're feeling under the weather. This connection can help us to feel better, to feel supported and loved.

Check out The Blue Tree Project Their mission is to "help spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when battling mental health concerns. By spreading the paint and spreading the message that "it's OK to not be OK", we can help break down the stigma that's still largely attached to mental health."