Discover how interacting with domestic animals can give you an all-important boost.
Animals often make wonderful companions.
From dogs to cats and birds to guinea pigs, pets have the power to light up your life.
In fact, when it comes to befriending creatures great and small, benefits abound.
For people with disability, the positives can be even greater.
At Endeavour Foundation, we see this in action every day.
Animals play a big part in the lives of many people we support – helping to increase connection, create routine and highlight the joy of friendship.
Read on as we explore five benefits that come with interacting with pets.
Here are a handful of reasons why being around animals is a positive move:
Animals teach an important skill: responsibility.
Having a pet means focusing on its needs, including feeding, grooming and sometimes walking.
Further to that, animals can aid the development of emotional and social skills by way of providing companionship, teaching empathy and other factors.
Typically, people with disability report poorer general health than people without disability. So, this point becomes even more important.
Interacting with animals has been linked to a host of physical health benefits that include decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
Much of this has to do with the fact that owning a pet promotes exercise – at least where dog walking is concerned.
Along with physical health benefits, owning or interacting with animals can positively impact mental health, too.
This is particularly important when considering people with disability are much more likely to experience psychological distress than people without disability.
Among the pluses is that animals are known to ease anxiety and loneliness. Also, owning a pet fosters a sense of purpose and routine.
Research has shown that dog ownership is particularly beneficial to mental health.
Dogs encourage their owners to be more active and build community connections when it comes time for ‘walkies’.
As we touched on in the section above, pet ownership can encourage social interaction.
Animals are a catalyst for conversation, creating new friendships and strengthening community ties.
Also, having a pet can lead to increased confidence, as Endeavour Foundation client Grant and his bird, Swifty, demonstrate.
Swifty is not the only creature that is having a positive impact on Grant’s life. Grant also enjoys spending time with his support worker Vicky’s dog, Oscar. Friday morning walks have become a weekly highlight.
“When I am here with Oscar, Grant cuddles with him. He is really close with the dog,” Vicki said.
It is hard to beat the feeling of coming home to a loyal companion.
Whether it is an excited dog delivering a ‘rock star-like’ welcome or a cat simply wanting a cuddle, these moments can give us an instant lift.
Animals are like a best friend – always there for us, ready to listen and provide comfort.
And they love us for who we are.
Endeavour Foundation employee Lucas shares his thoughts about pet ownership.
“I love having a dog as a companion. I cannot imagine life without my dog, Charlie.
Often, when I am fighting a losing battle against my mental health, Charlie is the one that gives me purpose.
He can be the motivation for me to get out of bed in the morning because he needs to be fed and taken outside.
Animals, depending on the type and breed, need constant exercise to keep them active.
They can often motivate their humans to leave the house and take them for a walk.
At least Charlie motivates me. Even on the hottest days, his smile is my reason to keep going.”
The NDIS generally does notfund pets or companion animals, as they are considered everyday living expenses and not directly related to a participant’s disability support needs.
But participants may be able to get funding in their plan for extra support to engage in social and recreational activities involving animals, like horse riding or visiting an animal shelter.
Also, in some cases, the NDIS may fund assistance animals – such as guide dogs or service dogs – if they are deemed reasonable and necessary supports.
Then there is the subject of therapy animals. The NDIS outlines its position relating to animal therapy and animal-assisted therapy on this page.
Several of our Learning and Lifestyle Hubs offer the chance to interact with animals, either on-site or via organised off-site excursions.
Take our Bowen Hills Learning and Lifestyle Hub in Brisbane, for example. Here, participants eagerly care for the resident guinea pigs, learning the importance of responsibility and routine and the joy that comes with pet ownership.
With dozens of hubs located throughout Queensland, as well as in Sydney and Melbourne, there is plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Or find out more about Social and Community Participation and how it can help you engage with activities that you love – animals or no animals.
Have questions? Get in touch with us today.