Allow Pets For All

Many thousands of people have signed this petition to allow persons who own their homes to keep pets as long as they are responsible for any damage caused by their pets.

The prestigious Mayo Clinic reports on what scientists know about pets and your health:

"If you already have a pet, you likely know it takes a bit of work. But the work often pays off. Dogs need regular walks which gets you out walking, too. And the health benefits of walking are well documented. On the other hand, a pet may be able to sense your moods and seek you out when you need some care offering a warm nuzzle or, in the case of a cat, simply resting in your lap and purring. Here's how living with and caring for a cherished animal can positively affect your health:

Living with and caring for a pet may protect your heart after a heart attack. Scientists have found that people who owned dogs were more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than were people who didn't own dogs.

Protect your heart and blood vessels and help you cope with stress.

In comparisons of the heart rate and blood pressure of people without pets versus those of pet-owners, people with pets had lower heart rates and blood pressure levels. An added benefit was that people with pets also had less increase in their heart rate and blood pressure when put under stress. Their blood pressure also dropped faster after a stressful event. People being treated for high blood pressure with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor received additional blood pressure-lowering benefits while under stress if they also owned a pet.

Improve your mood and sense of well-being.

Studies of older adults have found that those who shared their lives with pets were less likely to experience depression, were better able to tolerate living alone, and were more active than were their counterparts who didn't have pets. In people with AIDS, those who owned pets experienced less depression than did people with AIDS who didn't have pets. Pets may also reduce feelings of loneliness among nursing home residents."

The Center for Disease Control similarly touts the health benefits of pet companionship: "Most households in the United States have at least one pet. Why do people have pets? There are many reasons. Some of the health benefits of pets are listed below. Pets can decrease your: Blood pressure Cholesterol levels Triglyceride levels Feelings of loneliness Pets can increase your: Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities Opportunities for socialization"

Many groups support the health benefits of pet ownership. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a statement supporting the health benefits of animal companionship for people. The Delta Society provides abstracts, articles, and bibliographies on the health benefits of animals to people.