Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including:<\/p>\n
Pets may also help with specific conditions. For example, people with ADHD<\/a> may benefit from the structure and routine that a pet needs. Managing their pet\u2019s responsibilities and keeping track of time \u2013 to feed or walk them on time, for example \u2013 may help them in other areas of their lives. Some people with ADHD are hyperactive \u2013 especially children – and playing with a pet can be a great way to release excess energy, whether that\u2019s walking a dog, running around with a kitten or handling a friendly Guinea Pig. Autistic<\/a> people can benefit from having a pet. Pets provide the kind of unconditional relationship that can help someone build social skills and confidence. They can provide a sense of calm and reassurance if their owner feels overwhelmed. Autistic children with sensory issues can involve their pets in sensory integration activities to help them get used to how something feels against their skin or how it smells or sounds.<\/p>\n Having a pet is a serious commitment and not something to do on a whim. You’ll need to have the time, money and energy for a pet, as well as a calm home environment with routine and consistency. Fostering a pet or helping a friend with theirs can help you see whether having your own is right for you.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re ready to think about getting a pet, consider:<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t afford a pet, live somewhere you\u2019re not allowed one, or you\u2019re worried about having times where you\u2019re too unwell to care for a pet, there are other options.<\/p>\n The simplest option may be spending time with friends\u2019 pets, whether that\u2019s walking their dogs, stroking their cats or cuddling their guinea pigs. They might be glad to have someone to pet sit for them while they\u2019re on holiday. You can also consider signing up as a house sitter: you look after someone’s home, garden and pets in return for free accommodation.<\/p>\n If you miss having a dog in your life, you could sign up with BorrowMyDoggy<\/a>. They connect dog owners to local people who would love to walk or play with a dog. The Cinnamon Trust<\/a> also needs volunteer dog walkers to help out older people or those with a health condition or disability that means they can\u2019t walk their dog as easily anymore. They also need people to foster pets while their owners are in hospital.<\/p>\n Contact a rescue centre near you to see what volunteering opportunities they may have. They may need volunteers to exercise, care for and socialise their pets. You could consider fostering an animal if you can have a pet on a short-term basis but can\u2019t commit to one long-term. Some shy or scared animals need the peace and quiet of a home while waiting to be adopted.<\/p>\n Cats Protection and Dogs Trust both need people to provide temporary foster care for pets belonging to people fleeing domestic violence who may not be able to take their pets into a refuge with them.<\/p>\n If you would like to learn more about \u2018Pets and Mental Health \u2013 What are the Benefits\u2019<\/strong> then please join our webinar on Monday 20th February at 12pm<\/strong> using the details below \u2013<\/p>\n https:\/\/attendee.gotowebinar.com\/register\/6487453284234879324<\/a><\/p>\n If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.<\/p>\n If you wish to contact the Care first telephone counselling and information line then please don\u2019t hesitate to call the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including: Increasing your physical activity. Dog owners are likely to take their pets for a walk or run every day. This can be a fun way to fit … Continue reading Is having a pet right for me?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What if I can\u2019t have a pet?<\/strong><\/h3>\n