Not only do pets keep us company but they bring physical and mental health benefits.

Dogs can help owners make new friends which reduces their likelihood of loneliness.

The physiological benefits of dog ownership could reduce a country's overall health bill.

Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog!

At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life. It may be that a dog acts as training for becoming parents. Whilst there may be ‘practical’ reasons for adopting a dog, there are other benefits of having a furry friend.

Dogs as a social catalyst

There is evidence that social isolation can........

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