A dog really is man's best friend!

Owning a pet should be a unique and rewarding experience, but so much focus is put on the responsibilities of pet ownership that it is all too easy to forget about all of the benefits that pets can give to human beings. Yes, ensuring that your pet is happy, healthy and well looked after is, of course, very important, but pets can play an equally important role in keeping their owners happy and healthy too.

Pet ownership is constantly on the increase in the UK and the human–animal bond has never been greater. Studies have shown that pet owners use less medication, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and visit their doctors less often. Pets also benefit the physical, emotional and social health of their owners, especially among the elderly and in the development of children. Dogs do, generally, have the largest impact on their owner's health by increasing physical exercise as well as promoting social interaction and providing all important companionship.