New Survey Reveals Pets are Good Medicine; Report Further Indicates Healthy Pets Make for Healthier People

NEW YORK, May 9, 2000 /PRNewswire/ -- Their names may be "Fluffy", "Fido" or "Frenchy" but to millions of Americans our companion animals -- the dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and small animals that we hold so dear -- are much more than pets, they're part of the family.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) today issued a report "Healthy Pets, Healthy People" indicating a strong correlation between improved physical and mental health among people who have pets. And today's report reveals that our personal well-being may be directly related to this strong human-animal bond.

According to Funda Alp, director of communications for APPMA, "It's been known for some time that pets help people relax and lower their blood pressure. Our study probes some areas which might explain why."

Pets Boost Quality of Life

When survey respondents were asked if pets make their family or home life healthier, either emotionally or physically, a resounding 84 percent said "yes." Seniors between 55-64 were even more supportive of the statement with over 88 percent saying "yes." Respondents living in the Northeast agreed most often with 87 percent responding affirmatively.

Pets Counteract Technology's Influence

When asked if with the increasing presence of technology in the home, do pets help create a healthier balance, 79 percent of respondents said "yes."

Alp explained, "Nowadays with kids either online for homework or fun, playing with their Gameboy-like toys, or succumbing to the more traditional technological influences of television, Walkmen and boomboxes, it can be hard to separate your kid from all of the gadgets."

"People seem to feel that having a pet, a real being to care for and be with, helps balance the cold influence technology can have on a home. In addition, pets are funny and do funny things that make their owners laugh a lot. This kind of interaction brings a lot of joy into a home."

Pets are Great Stress Busters

According to the APPMA report, 70 percent of respondents said that when they are stressed or worried, playing with, or confiding in their pet relaxes them or calms them down. In fact, this was particularly true for more than 80 percent of those respondents 65 years or older.

Those respondents living in the North Central region of the United States agreed with this statement most often with a 79 percent response.

People More Courteous to Pets than Other Family Members

According to the APPMA report, 63 percent of pet owners claimed that they were more likely to lose their temper most easily with a family member than with their pet. In fact, among those between ages 35-44, a significantly higher 76 percent lose their tempers more easily with family. In addition, more females (67 percent) than males (58 percent) stated that they were more likely to lose it with a family member than with their pet.

Seniors Most Devoted to Pet Companion's Health

People 65 years of age and older showed greater selflessness (concern) when it came to taking care of their pets with 53 percent claiming they would be more likely to take care of a sick pet first, than themselves, if both happened to be sick at the same time. Among the general population, men seemed more self-absorbed than women when it came to seeking treatment for their own health vs. a pet's with 62 percent of men claiming that they would take care of their own health first before that of a sick pet while only 48 percent of women claimed they would seek treatment first.

Move Over Mood Ring

If you want to know what females in your household are really feeling ... just take your cues from the family pet. According to the APPMA report, 42 percent of female pet owners stated that their pet is better attuned to their moods than other family members while only 25 percent of males feel their pet better understands them.

APPMA's "Healthy Pets, Healthy People" survey was conducted between April 26-30, 2000. The telephone survey was implemented by International Communications Research (ICR) in Media, PA. ICR surveyed over 500 people across the United States who own at least one pet.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the leading not- for-profit trade association that promotes the benefits of responsible pet ownership while serving the interests of American pet product manufacturers and importers.

A copy of the full survey report is available by calling Donna Wisecup at 609-450-1275 or contacting her by e-mail at dwisecup@gillespie.com.