One of the many questions we get asked about adoption is ‘can you adopt if you have pets?’ The short answer is, yes!
But did you know that there are actually many benefits of having pets, for children?
We want to share with you the benefits having a pet can bring, particularly to adopted children who may need support with their social and emotional development.
Pets provide children with a sense of responsibility and purpose
Owning any kind of pet teaches children how to be responsible for another living thing. Pets provide children with opportunities to learn how to care for their pet’s basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. Adopted children will often have experienced some form of neglect so may not be familiar with how to meet basic needs. This can help teach children the importance of responsibility and can help them learn how to form strong bonds with other living creatures, how to care for others and how to care for themselves.
Pets can help children develop empathy and compassion
Pets are dependent on others to take care of them and to meet their needs. Children can develop empathy by considering what it might be like to be a pet and how it might feel to always rely on others. A child’s emotional intelligence can improve as they begin to understand how their pet might feel if they are hungry, cold or lonely.
Pets help children feel loved and accepted
Most children love animals, and for many, having a pet is a dream come true. Pets provide children with companionship and love. With a pet, there is no fear of judgment or rejection as they love us unconditionally. This can encourage children to talk to their pets, which can provide them with much-needed emotional support, especially during difficult times. Pets can be a great source of comfort and can help children feel safe, secure, and accepted for who they are.
Pets can reduce stress and anxiety
Life can be stressful, particularly for adopted children who have experienced loss and trauma and may have worries about the future. Stroking, holding, or even just being around a pet is known to have a calming effect on children, reducing levels of stress hormones in the body and increasing feel-good hormones.
Pets can build self-esteem & confidence in children
Caring for a pet can build confidence and self-esteem in children as they begin to take pride in looking after their pet. Carrying out tasks for pets such as feeding them, can help children gain a sense of independence and achievement. This in turn can build their self-esteem and confidence.
If you already have a pet when you apply to adopt you will need to complete a pet assessment for them to ensure there are no health and safety concerns. To find out more about what’s involved, please get in touch here.