Multiple Pets Benefit Families

Just like humans, furry family members need to have company, playmates and social interactions to be happy. Sometimes it's hard to remember that our family pets are animals first and family second. We typically look at the benefits of pets in homes from the standpoint of work and expense involved. But are there benefits to having more than one pet in the home?

Pets can enjoy having playmates. Dogs enjoy cats and cats can enjoy dogs. Growing together, animals can overcome barriers that would ordinarily make them snap and snarl at various other animal species. Animals living together in a home can often develop or create social experiences around those other animals. The experience may or may not be with their own species.

Pets can learn from other pets. Just like how children learn from older children, family and neighbors, your pets will learn from other pets in their environment. You will find that your pets often have better social habits when they spend their time with other well-mannered animals.

Pet dander may actually improve your immune system. Sid Kirchheimer, in Early Exposure Found to Reduce Later Risk in Children, indicates that despite the long-held belief that cats and dogs in the home could lead to childhood allergies, there's mounting evidence that the opposite may be true. Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, PhD, found that children growing up in homes with pets had less frequency of allergies to pets. The decreased frequency was most marked when the child was frequently exposed during the first two years of life.

Pets can reduce stress. Children reading to their parents, teacher or an adult typically experience an increase in their stress levels. Those same children experience a decrease in overall stress or anxiety levels when reading to a pet. "Curling up with a dog or cat, on the other hand, is a lot more appealing," sugggests Mary Renck Jalongo, author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals.

Pets in homes provide comfort to ailing hearts. The hurts may be from a recent death, illness, or related to age. Animals, by their presence, increase advantageous hormone production that can help in healing. Multiple pets in a home can also bring comfort to each other during a time of loss. Children and parents frequently refer to their pets as family members and treat them as members of the family.

Pets can teach nurturing and caregiving abilities. Children are able to learn how to nurture and care for animals early in their lives. These habits can help them as they transition throughout their lives in relationships and social circles. Being around animals can teach kids how to help others in need.

Having multiple pets can provide peace of mind. Having multiple pets at home while you are working can bring peace of mind. You can rest assured that your pets will entertain each other while you are away. They are less likely to feel lonely during your absence and they can help keep each other company until you return.

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Monday:

8:30 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.