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This article is about animals kept for companionship. For "PET" used as an acronym, see PET. A pet is an Animal kept for companionship and enjoyment or a househeld animal as opposed to Livestock, Laboratory animals Working animals For "PETS" used as an acronym, see PETS. For the British comedy Television series, see Pets (TV series). Pets was a British puppet Adult Sitcom. It was produced by Fit2Fill Productions Limited.
Dogs, by nature a pack animal, can form very close bonds with other animals, including humans.
Dogs, by nature a pack animal, can form very close bonds with other animals, including humans. The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order

A pet or companion animal is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment, as opposed to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic reasons. Livestock is the term used to refer (singularly or plurally to a Domesticated Animal intentionally reared in an agricultural setting to produce such as Food Animal testing or animal research is the use of non-human Animals in scientific experimentation. A working animal is an animal that is kept by humans and trained to perform tasks Animals in sport are a specific form of Working animals Many animals at least in more commercial sports are highly trained. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits;[1] keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction. The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order

Contents

Domestication

Main article: Domestication
Cats in the Garden, by Chinese painter Mao Yi, 12th century; family pets in the Song Dynasty included watch dogs whose tails were often docked, long-haired cats for catching rats, cats with yellow-and-white fur called 'lion-cats' (who were valued simply as cute pets), and even crickets in cages. Cats could be pampered with items bought from the market such as 'cat-nests', and were often fed fish that were advertised in the market specifically for cats.
Cats in the Garden, by Chinese painter Mao Yi, 12th century; family pets in the Song Dynasty included watch dogs whose tails were often docked, long-haired cats for catching rats, cats with yellow-and-white fur called 'lion-cats' (who were valued simply as cute pets), and even crickets in cages. Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a Population of Animals Chinese painting is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world The Song Dynasty ( Wade-Giles: Sung Ch'ao was a ruling dynasty in China between 960&ndash1279 CE it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms [2][3] Cats could be pampered with items bought from the market such as 'cat-nests', and were often fed fish that were advertised in the market specifically for cats. [2][3]

While in theory any animal might be a pet, in practice only a small number of species of mammals (especially dogs and cats) and other small animals, such as birds, fish, or lizards, are practical. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order WikipediaManual of Style (spelling, articles should conform to one overall spelling style of English typically the one most linked to the article topic (if it is geographic Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two Lizards are a large and widespread group of Reptiles of the order Squamata, with nearly 5000 species and ranging across all continents except One reason for this is that large animals are not able to fit inside small dwellings.

In general, a pet must either be small enough (or easily controlled) for his or her undesirable behavioral tendencies to be negligible, or the animal must be actually domesticable. Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a Population of Animals Examples of the former are such animals as fish (including carnivorous ones such as piranha), chickens, invertebrates or small mammals. A carnivore (ˈkɑrnɪvɔər meaning 'meat eater' ( Latin carne meaning 'flesh' and vorare meaning 'to devour' is any animal with a diet consisting A piranha or piraña (pɨˈrɑːnjə/ /pɨˈrænjə/ /pɨˈrɑːnə or /pɨˈrænə/ is a member of a family of Omnivorous Freshwater Fish The chicken ( Gallus gallus, sometimes G gallus domesticus) is a domesticated Fowl which is traditionally believed to have descended from An invertebrate is an Animal lacking a Vertebral column. The group includes 98% of all animal Species — all animals except those in the Chordate

A few animals are sufficiently capable of adapting to human interaction to be considered domesticable. Dogs ("man's best friend") are considered to be a classic example of domesticated animals normally suited to being pets. Domestic dogs are quite similar to wolves, but their physical form and behavior are characteristically different, more than mere differences in size, coat, or coloring. The grey wolf or gray wolf ( Canis lupus) also known as the timber wolf or simply wolf, is a Mammal of the order Carnivora Behaviorally speaking, characteristic changes in dogs due to domestication include a prolonged infancy, increased playfulness, and increased barking. A puppy or pup is a juvenile Dog, generally less than one year of age that has not reached sexual maturity Barking is a noise most commonly produced by Dogs Woof is the most common representation in the English language for this sound (especially for large dogs Wolves are far less playful and vocal.

Over the course of fifty years, Russian scientists also domesticated silver foxes, resulting in the Tame Silver Fox. The Tame Silver Fox is the result of nearly 50 years of experiments in the Soviet Union and Russia to domesticate the silver morph of the While the number produced was extremely small, they have been sold as pets, and they prove that domestication of canids other than wolves is possible.

Many rodents—such as fancy rats, fancy mice, and Syrian hamsters—are commonly kept as household pets. The fancy rat or pet rat is a domesticated Breed of the Brown rat ( Rattus norvegicus) Fancy mice ("fancy" in this context means "hobby" are Domesticated breeds of the common or house mouse ( Mus musculus) The Syrian or Golden Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, is a very well-known member of the Rodent Subfamily Cricetinae, the

Such animals as reptiles are typically considered exotic pets. Reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia are air-breathing Cold-blooded Vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers An exotic pet is a rare or unusual animal kept as a Pet, or an animal kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet This may change in the future, as 'exotic' pet ownership is increasing rapidly. Some of these animals, such as green iguanas, large monitor lizards, and large birds, do not make suitable pets for the average person, as they require extensive housing and diet. They can also become quite aggressive if not regularly handled. Exotic mammals are also becoming increasingly more popular as pets. For example, the domesticated hedgehog has been selectively bred to the point where its physical characteristics no longer directly match its wild European and African counterparts. The most common species of domesticated Hedgehog is the African Pygmy hedgehog, a hybrid of the White-bellied or Four-toed Hedgehog ( Atelerix Individuals have occasionally run into legal trouble for keeping large exotic pets, both in rural estates and urban apartments. A few years ago, New York Police Department officers arrested a man who had kept large cats and an alligator in a small Manhattan apartment [4] Many animal species are difficult to handle and cannot be pets for the general populace. Raptors, such as eagles and falcons, must be handled very carefully to avoid attacks on their handlers; the sport of falconry is to a large extent ways of avoiding such outcomes, and so they are not really pets in the sense meant here. Falconry or hawking is an Art or Sport which involves the use of trained raptors (birds of prey to hunt or pursue game for humans Large cats cannot become pets, as they do not reliably restrain their impulses (although cheetahs are an exception and have been kept as pets in the past). The cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus) is an atypical member of the cat family ( Felidae) that is unique in its speed while lacking climbing abilities Nor do the large bears, for similar reasons. Small monkeys can be human companions, but they are notoriously unable to defer their curiosity which leads to much destruction. Raccoons also fit this example. The raccoon ( Procyon lotor) (sometimes spelt as racoon) also known as the common raccoon, North American raccoon, northern raccoon They adapt easily to almost any environment, but resist domestication. One the other hand, several of the ferret and otter varieties can be human companions. The ferret is a domestic Mammal of the type Mustela putorius furo. Otters are semi- aquatic (or in one case aquatic) fish-eating Mammals The otter subfamily Lutrinae forms part of the family

A pet can be acquired from a pet store, animal shelter, a breeder, and from private transactions, typically due to the giving away of extra newborns after the birth of a litter. A pet store or pet shop is a retail business which sells different kinds of animals An animal shelter is a facility that houses homeless lost or abandoned animals primarily a large variety of Dogs and Cats The animal is kept at the shelter A breeder is a person who practices the vocation of mating carefully selected specimens of the same Breed to reproduce specific consistently replicable qualities and characteristics See also pet adoption. Pet adoption usually refers to the process of taking guardianship of and responsibility for a Pet that a previous owner has abandoned or otherwise abdicated responsibility for Because of environmental and public safety concerns, some pets are illegal in many areas.

Terminology

In veterinary medicine, dogs and cats are often considered "household" pets, while all other animals are grouped into either "farm animals" (such as horses, cows, or sheep) or "exotics" (including pocket pets, birds, and reptiles). Veterinary medicine the application of medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order WikipediaManual of Style (spelling, articles should conform to one overall spelling style of English typically the one most linked to the article topic (if it is geographic The horse ( Equus caballus) is a hoofed ( Ungulate) Mammal, one of eight living species of the family Equidae. Cattle, colloquially referred to as cows, are domesticated Ungulates a member of the Subfamily Bovinae of the family Pocket pet is a term used to refer to any small Mammal commonly kept as a household Pet. Reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia are air-breathing Cold-blooded Vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers

Local restrictions

Many cities and towns have local ordinances limiting the number of pets a person may have, and may also restrict or forbid certain pets (such as fowl or exotics).

The cities of Berkeley, California and Boulder, Colorado have passed laws stating that people who have pets do not "own" them; rather, they are the pet's "guardian. Berkeley is a city on the east shore of San Francisco Bay in Northern California, in the United States. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Boulder is a Home Rule Municipality that is the County seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado, in the United States The State of Colorado ( or chiefly by nonresidents) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. "

Condominium associations and rental properties often ban animals because of the smells and noise the animals create. A condominium, or condo, is a form of Housing tenure and other Real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate (usually of an apartment

Pet popularity

The two most popular pets in most Western countries have been cats and dogs. In the United States, a 2007-2008 survey shows that dog-owning households outnumber those owning cats, but that the number of pet cats is higher than dogs. [5] Combined reptiles are the next popular followed by birds followed by horses, and finally, monkeys. Reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia are air-breathing Cold-blooded Vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. The horse ( Equus caballus) is a hoofed ( Ungulate) Mammal, one of eight living species of the family Equidae. A monkey is any member of either the New World monkeys or Old World monkeys two of the three groupings of Simian Primates the third group being

Overpopulation

Animal protection advocates call attention to the pet overpopulation "crisis" in the United States. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the country and many more are confined to cages in shelters. The Humane Society of the United States ( HSUS) is a Washington D This crisis is created by nonneutered animals (spayed/castrated) reproducing and people intentionally breeding animals. Neutering, from the Latin neuter (of neither sex is the removal of an animal's Reproductive organ, either all of it or a considerably large part Castration (also referred to as Gelding, Neutering, Fixing, orchiectomy, and orchidectomy is any action surgical, chemical A particularly problematic combination of economic hardship combined with a love of animals contributes to this problem in parts of the rural United States. [6] In an average year, a fertile cat can produce three litters of kittens, with up to 4 to 6 kittens in each litter. Based on these numbers, one female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 cats over a seven year period if not spayed or castrated. There are also major overpopulation problems with other pet species, such as birds and rabbits. Local humane societies, SPCAs, and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from animal shelters instead of purchasing them from breeders or pet stores. An animal shelter is a facility that houses homeless lost or abandoned animals primarily a large variety of Dogs and Cats The animal is kept at the shelter A pet store or pet shop is a retail business which sells different kinds of animals

Effects of pets on their caregiver's health

Health benefits

Pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past. [7] Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress. [8] There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year, 11 of the 29 without pets had died, but only 3 of the 52 who had pets. [7] A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure. Dogs which are trained into guide dogs can help persons with visual impairments. "Guide Dogs" redirects here For the British charity see The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Guide dogs are Assistance

Pets in long-term care institutions

Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets. Pets for nursing homes are chosen based on the size of the pet, the amount of care that the breed needs, and the population and size of the care institution. [7] Appropriate pets go through a screening process and, if it is a dog, additional training programs to become a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a Dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in Hospitals Retirement homes Nursing homes Mental institutions [9]

Different pets require varying amounts of attention and care; for example, cats have lower maintenance requirements than dogs. [10]

Health risks

Health risks that are associated with pets include:

Pets and allergies

Some people with allergies can have adverse reactions to animal dander and fur or feathers. Allergy is a disorder of the Immune system often also referred to as Atopy. Asthma is a chronic Condition involving the Respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict become inflamed, and are Dander is material shed from the body of various animals similar to Dandruff or pet pollen Fur is a body hair of any non-human Mammal, also known as the Pelage. Feathers are one of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering or Plumage, on Birds They are considered the most complex integumentary structures Some people with asthma can have attacks triggered by these.

See also

References

  1. ^ The Health Benefits of Pets. Animal chaplains provide a wide array of services to the Community, including Pet loss grief support animal Memorial services Praying for American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA A non-profit organization established in 1933 by leaders in the Veterinary profession AAHA is the only exclusive Companion Animal hoarding involves keeping higher than usual numbers of animals as Pets without having the ability to properly house or care for them while at the same time denying Animals that live under human care are in captivity. Captivity can be used as a generalizing term to describe the keeping of either Domesticated Animals ( Livestock Animal love or animal friendship are emotions of fondness that lead to bonding with non-human species Dog bite redirects here For the song see Dog Bite (song. Dog attacks are attacks on humans by Feral or Domestic dogs Human bonding refers to the development of a close Interpersonal relationship between family members or friends This is a list of Pets belonging to various US Presidents and their families while serving their term(s in office Pet adoption usually refers to the process of taking guardianship of and responsibility for a Pet that a previous owner has abandoned or otherwise abdicated responsibility for Pet cloning is the commercial Cloning of a Pet Animal. The first commercially cloned pet was a cat named Little Nicky, produced Pet food is typically sold in Pet stores and Supermarkets It is usually specific to the type of Pet (such as Dog food or Cat food) Pet Insurance pays the veterinary costs if one's pet becomes ill or is injured in an accident The Pet Travel Scheme ("PETS" is a scheme which allows animals to travel easily between member countries without undergoing Quarantine. A pet sitter is a contracted service provider who takes care of a Pet in its own home The Pet Network is a Canadian English language category 2 Digital cable Specialty channel dedicated to Pets and pet owners A zoonosis (ˌzoʊəˈnoʊsɨs or zoonose is any Infectious disease that is able to be transmitted (by a vector) from other Animals both wild and domestic The loss of a Pet or an Animal to which one has become emotionally bonded can be an intense loss comparable with the Death of a loved one A pet cemetery is a Cemetery for animals In addition to burying human remains many human cultures also regularly bury animal remains The Rainbow Bridge is a place often referred to by people whose Pets have died A digital pet (also known as a virtual pet or artificial pet) is a type of Artificial human companion. An exotic pet is a rare or unusual animal kept as a Pet, or an animal kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet US Government National Institute of Health.
  2. ^ a b Gernet, Jacques (1962). Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250–1276. Translated by H. M. Wright. Stanford: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0720-0. Page 48.
  3. ^ a b Gernet, Jacques (1962). Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250–1276. Translated by H. M. Wright. Stanford: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0720-0. Page 122–123.
  4. ^ People, date unknown.
  5. ^ Household Pet Ownership: 2001. US Census Bureau.
  6. ^ Eckholm, Erik. "For Poor Families, an Added Burden of Too Many Pets", The New York Times, 2007-06-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Retrieved on 2007-06-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper  
  7. ^ a b c Whiteley, Ellen H. . "The Healing Power of Pets", Saturday Evening Post, pp.  2-102. Retrieved on 2006-11-05. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany)   Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh
  8. ^ Asp, Karen (2005). "Volunteer Pets". Prevention 57 (4): 176-78.   Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh
  9. ^ Huculak, Chad. "Super Furry Animals", Sun 4 Oct. 2006, p.  W7.  . LexisNexis. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh. 5 Nov. 2006.
  10. ^ Bruck, Laura (1996). "Today's Ancillaries, Part 2: Art, music and pet therapy". Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management 45 (7): 36.   Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh.

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