ROCHESTER, Minn.- If you are a pet owner you probably already know your furry friend has benefits for your overall well-being.
In the study conducted by Professor Schreiner from the University of Minnesota. She reports that pet ownership moderately increases physical activity and slightly decreases depression.
“Pet ownership is not going to be, if you have extremely high blood pressure pet ownership is not going to reduce your blood pressure to a normal level,” said Schreiner.
This is for companion animals and it's important to know that is different from service animals.
While discussing her recent study highlighting the benefits of pet ownership.
She tells KIMT people abuse policies surrounding service animals. They are now viewed more negatively.
A service pet is an animal trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities.
“You've taken an untrained animal who does not interact well in a public setting or attacks another dog then you've lessoned the reputation of real therapy animals,” she said.