American Pet Products Association, National Pet Owners Survey shows dogs and cats help instill responsibilities among children.
In addition to companionship, affection, love and company, a top benefit of owning cats and dogs includes teaching children responsibility. According to APPA’s National Pet Owners Survey, 58% of small animal owners rank teaching children responsibilities as a key benefit in owning pets, followed by 44% of equine owners and 43% of reptile owners, posing the idea that dog, cat and other pet ownership is a great teaching tool for children.
“There are so many joys and benefits pets of all types bring to our lives, and they truly help instill responsibility among children from ensuring they have plenty of food and water to helping them receive daily exercise and play,” said Bob Vetere, APPA president.
Celebrating the joys and benefits pets bring to the lives of children specifically, APPA is currently accepting poems for its 4th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest.