According to the Pet Health Council, a five year study of 600 children 3-18 years of age revealed that those raised with companion animals have overall better life coping skills than those who don’t live with a pet. This was seen especially in children who have difficulty in learning skills and in children whose parents have divorced.

Researchers have found that children living with pets, regardless of their living situations, have overall higher levels of self-esteem and function much better emotionally than those living without companion animals.

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Another study involving children ages 5-11 years of age, has shown that absenteeism from school from illness was significantly reduced and their school attendance had increased.

     A companion animal can teach a child many important life lessons including developing responsible behavior to care for them, a connection to nature, as well as respect for all living things.