Animals are good for you and your neighbours

Research at the University of WA has backed up studies showing that pet ownership is good for the health and happiness of owners. It also finds that the benefits extend to neighbours and the wider community. In particular dogs increased the likelihood of their owners meeting other people within their street and suburb.

“They are the facilitators of social contact,” said Dr Lisa Wood, from the study.

“Other people in the neigbourhood enjoyed meeting people with dogs and liked seeing dog-walkers around the streets. Visible pet owners, especially dog-walkers gave non-pet owners a sense of safety in their streets.

“People who have pets are seen as more trustworthy.”

The study surveyed 339 people in three Perth suburbs, and showed that owning a pet could be described as ‘social capital’.

Potentially negative consequences of pets, such as barking and dog bites were minimal compared with the benefits of pet ownership.