Whether you like dogs, cats or some other creature, the company of animals - whether as pets or service animals - can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life and ability to recover from illnesses.

Did you know:

• Nearly 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet
• Of households with pets
  • 80 percent believe their pets bring them happiness and emotional support
  • 55 percent believe their pets reduce anxiety and depression
  • 66 percent believe their pets relieve stress
• Pet ownership can help
  • Improve cardiovascular health and physical activity
  • Decrease stress and lower blood pressure
  • Reduce loneliness, which increases the risk of developing many chronic health conditions
• For individuals receiving treatment for mental illnesses, animal-assisted interventions reduce anger, anxiety, depression and general distress, which improves the ability to socialize