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Benefits of Having Pets
It happens more times than we like to admit. A hard day just seems like it might knock the wind out of you and you go home feeling drained, overwhelmed, and hopeless. The story ends there for some, but others have found a secret weapon for how to turn that frown upside down.
Pets.
It seems silly, but scientists have proven over and over again that there are many benefits of having pets as a part of your home. Don’t believe us? Here is a list of ways pets benefit our lives.
Emotional Support
For many, the story above ends with a quiet night alone with their less than satisfactory feelings. Although they may reach out to friends or family for a “pick-me-up,” this interaction can sometimes worsen the situation or be unattainable if no one is available.
For pet owners; love, affection, and attention are never out of reach. The moment you’ve set yourself down on that evening couch – your pet is already there and ready to cheer you up. Whether it’s their head placed in your lap, a paw pushed nudging you to play, or the simple vision of something so cute and curled up on the couch. Pets bring us small, yet meaningful joy by doing nothing other than existing.
Required Physical Activity
We all know we are supposed to be physically active throughout the day, but how many of us actually are? I mean, let’s face it. When you get out of bed in the morning or just get home from work the last thing you want is to move your body and get exercise.
One passive benefit of having pets is physical activity throughout the day is no longer an option – it’s a requirement. Your dog needs to be walked, your cat needs to be played with, and at the bare minimum, you have to feed the fish and clean out its tank. All the additional movement helps to make you a healthier and happier human.
Sense of Purpose
Life can be hard. Especially when you feel like day in and day out you are just running in circles. You can become unmotivated and depressed.
One of the incredible benefits of having pets is the sense of purpose they can bring to our lives. It can be very fulfilling to know there is an animal within your house that needs you. Suddenly going to work to make a paycheck seems worth it because you know that paycheck affords you food not only for yourself but also for your favorite non-human.
Opportunity for Socialization
Making friends can be hard, especially as an adult. Without common interests, it can feel difficult to connect with another person. Luckily, having pets can be a great gateway to making friends as an adult. Have a dog? Take them to the dog park and chat with the other owners there! Proud cat parent? There are so many community boards on Facebook filled with people talking about their cats. Fish? Just walk into a pet store and ask for their aquatic specialist. BOOM! Now you have something to talk about and it just might lead to a great and lasting friendship.
Are there any benefits of having pets that we missed? Let us know!
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Moving with Pets
We all know moving can be stressful…
but have you stopped to consider how a move can affect your pets?
Here are a couple of suggestions to consider while moving to help make the transition easier on both you and your pets.
Contact Your Vet:
Let your pets’ vet know that you will be moving. Your vet can provide you good information on the best way to move with your pet and make sure you have enough medications for the duration of the trip. They can answer any questions you have and they might even be able to help you find a good vet in your new location if you are moving out of the area. Do not forget to get your pet’s records before you move.
Best Friend’s Veterinary Center
33285 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 679-6796
North Whidbey Veterinary Hospital
1020 NE 7th Ave #4, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 679-3772
107 S Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
(360) 678-6046
Central Whidbey Veterinary Services Inc
771 Patmore Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
(360) 678-1881
Create a Moving Kit:
Gather supplies to keep your pet comfortable during the travel and supplies on hand for the first several days of unpacking.
- Pet food
- Food, Water, and Bowls
- Medication
- Grooming tools
- Toys
- Blanket
- Poop Bags
- Leash
- Treats
- Documentation and a picture
The Day of Packing:
Our pets feel anxieties, just like we do when things change around them. It is best during a move if you can keep them away from all the action. A simple option is often putting them in a kennel or letting them stay with a friend. If you cannot or do not want to do either of those; try making a quiet room in the house where they can safely stay away from all the hustle and bustle. It is also important to check on them often and try to walk them when you normally would.
Things to remember:
- Make sure they have enough ventilation
- Make sure they are not too hot or too cold
- Make sure they have enough food and water
- Let them have some toys
Taking Your Pet With You:
When possible, it’s best to travel with your pet to curb their anxiety. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding the best way to transport your pet such as their age, temperament, size, and species. Regardless, it’s always important to ensure your pet’s safety when traveling which is why we have included a few links below with helpful pet gadgets.
Do Not Go Off-Leash in Unfamiliar Areas:
Remember that new locations mean unfamiliar areas. If your pet gets out while traveling they might get lost. Additionally, when you get to your new home it is important that you take the time to be with your pet to discover the new area so they don’t get lost and can find there way back to their new home. This is also an important reason to bring documentation and a picture of your pet with you in case they get lost.
Introduce One Room at a Time with Familiar Items:
Consider setting up one room first with familiar items for your pet to stay in while you prepare the rest of the house. Give your pet a lot of attention and slowly introduce them to each new room giving them plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings and familiarize themselves with the new setting. You also might consider crating them when you leave them alone for the first few weeks. New environments can cause pets to break house training.
Things to do When You Get to Your New Location:
- Register your pet in your new city
City of Oak Harbor
Town of Coupeville - Update your pets chip
- Find a new veterinarian
