Why We Love Animals
We all know that nothing beats the happiness and warmth we feel when we get to pet, cuddle and be around animals. Research shows that animals can boost our mood, calm us and help us build relationships.
Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including:
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Increasing your physical activity
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Providing companionship
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Reducing anxiety
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Helping you meet new people
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Adding structure to your day
With increased stress around the pandemic, pet ownership can be even more beneficial. According to a survey conducted by Vetster, 71.4% of respondents said their pet helps lower their stress levels, 86% said that being a pet owner reduces feelings of loneliness, and 86% said their pet has helped provide them with emotional support since the pandemic specifically. Learn more here.
#FluffyFriday: Weekly Pet Profiles
There is nothing cuter than seeing pictures of animals on Instagram! Check out our Instagram page to see our weekly highlight of McMaster’s pets.
To submit your fluffy friend, email us a couple pictures of your pet along with your pet’s name to okanagan@mcmaster.ca. You can also DM us your pictures over Instagram.
Can't get enough of animals? Check out where you can see more!
Triple C Farm - Livestock Sanctuary and Petting Farm Learn More
Located in Ancaster, this farm has a petting farm and offers goat yoga!
Looking to adopt a fluffy friend?
Hamilton Burlington SPCA Learn More
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is an animal welfare charity. The HBSPCA protects animals from people, cares for animals in its companion animal hospital, kennels and foster homes and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary Learn More
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a registered Canadian Charity located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.