Saying that animals are amazing is hardly a controversial statement. There’s a reason every new David Attenborough series causes a nationwide sensation. But do domestic animals actually have a positive effect on children? And is there a reason classrooms traditionally came with a weary hamster just trying to sleep and avoid prodding fingers?
 
Like anything to do with psychology and child development, there are different schools of thought. However, a recent review of 22 studies concluded that growing up with pets is linked to “higher self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills.” This was due to animals’ ability to “reduce stress, provide social support and companionship, and improve children’s communication skills.”
 
Another argument for having pets at a young age, is to teach responsibility. You can have a cat; but only if you help to clean out the litter tray. If we get a dog; you have to take him for a walk every single day. Despite inevitable overflowing litter trays and unwalked dogs, a sense of ownership and care is fostered from a young age that should stand a child in good stead.
 
Animals also provide a non-judgemental ear to children with confidence issues. In a study conducted in the US, children were asked to read in front of a peer, an adult, and a dog. Researchers monitored their stress levels and found that kids were most relaxed around the animal, not the humans. Pets can also offer comfort and understanding in a physical, non-verbal way that helps children calm down.
 
It’s not just pets; an interest in animals and their wellbeing bodes well for the planet and can even plant the seeds of a career in sustainability or conservation. From all this data and extrapolation, the answer to our initial question seems to be a resounding yes. However, data can be skewed by a number of factors that aren’t always taken into consideration, such as socioeconomic status. 
 
The reality is that households with pets are likely to be wealthier and have a host of other socioeconomic factors on their side. One US study found that although kids with pets were happier, they were also:

• less likely to be on free school lunch programs
• less likely to be from households that moved frequently
• more likely to have parents who spoke English
• more likely to be white rather than African-American, Hispanic, or Asian
• more likely to have parents born in the United States
• more likely to live in a house rather than an apartment
• more likely to have parents who were in good health

 
The upshot seems to be that although pets are definitely a wonderful addition to childhood and can help with anxiety (see the rising trend in emotional support animals), there are more important things in a young person’s life. And that a stable home, attentive and healthy parents and a good education are certainly higher on the list than a furry friend.
 
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