Research in Australia supports the idea that the companionship of a pet is good for a person's health - the data is convincing. In fact, Pet Owners:

1. Visit their GP less often than non-pet owners and use less medication
2. Have, on average, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels
3. Recover quicker from surgery and illness
4. Deal better with stressful situations
5. Are less likely to feel lonely
6. Have social support and comfort, and have higher self-esteem.