How many Labradors and pit bulls will don lush antlers this winter? Will many cats bat around catnip candy canes this Christmas? According to a Harris Interactive poll, the majority of Americans have a pet, most consider them to be members of the family, and many plan on adding them to their shop-for lists this Christmas.

 

Overall, nearly two-thirds of Americans have a pet (63 percent) and almost all of them (88 percent) consider their canines and kitties family members. Women are more likely to consider pets as members of the family than men, (84 percent versus 93 percent, respectively) as are dog lovers versus cat lovers (93 percent versus 89 percent).

 

However, most pet lovers are devoted to their companion animals, with many sleeping in bed with them, cooking for them, and buying them holiday and birthday gifts. Over two-thirds (69 percent) let their pets sleep in bed with them, with women (72 percent) more likely than men (64 percent) and cat lovers (78 percent) more likely than dog lovers (70 percent) to do so. Members of Generation X (ages 31 to 42) are most likely to let their pets join them in bed for sleepytime, followed by Baby Boomers (ages 43 to 61, 70 percent), Matures (over age 62, 67 percent), then Echo Boomers (ages 18 to 30, 62 percent).

 

Who is most likely to buy their furry loved ones holiday gifts? About two-thirds (65 percent) have purchases holiday gifts for their companion animals, with women (66 percent) more likely than men (63 percent) to have done so. Dogs rake in more loot than cats (71 percent versus 63 percent), but cats retain their dignity; they are less likely to suffer the indignation of a silly outfit. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of dog parents have dressed up their pooches, versus 14 percent of cat lovers.

 

Penny B. Donnenfeld, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice in New York City. Donnenfeld’s golden retriever mix, nine-year-old Sandee, is a rescue dog who she adopted through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Sandee helps patients relax and open up, and has a unique relationship with each one, Donnenfeld says. “Sandee has a powerful impact on the patients. People accept closeness and comfort from her; she cuts through people’s defenses.”

 

Donnenfeld maintains that pets offer their human companions “unconditional love and comfort, companionship, and a being to whom you are everything and of whom you are the boss." The psychologist adds that this last benefit is especially important for children, who learn the values of self-control and responsibility through caring for animals. 

 

In addition, "In this relationship, tactile needs are met without the complications of the needs of the other, [it provides] a social conduit, and gives a sense of security both literally and psychologically,” Donnenfeld maintains.

 

Psychologist Mary Lou Randour, Ph.D., agrees. Randour, who is director of programs for Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, maintains that “in most American households the pet is considered part of the family. There is a kind of pure interaction between a person and their pet...no judgment, no need to perform, just acceptance and trust. I also think the tactile part is so significant...the healing power of touch.“

 

Randour, in conjunction with Howard Davidson of the Center on Children and the Law, American Bar Association, has written a handbook, "A Common Bond: Maltreated Children and Animals in the Family." In it, Randour and Davidson outline the role of pets in the family home, stating that over 64 million American homes have at least one companion animal. Over 70 percent of homes with minor children have pets, and children "feel a natural connection with animals," the authors write.

 

Considering a pet part of the family is not a mere superficial affectation. "When asked to list the 10 most important individuals in their lives, 7- and 10-year-old children  included two pets in their list, and 42% of 5-year-old children spontaneously mentioned their pets when asked, 'Whom do you turn to when you are feeling sad, angry, happy, or wanting to share a secret?' (Foer, 2006)," Randour and Davidson write. 

 

For homes without children, what with less couples having kids, and people marrying and having children later, could the personalization and in some cases, infantilization of pets (think cutesy costumes) there has been an “explosion” of pet services. In addition to the groomers, sitters, walkers, and toy, clothing, and furniture for pets, more serious services including animal behaviorists, and medical specialists have become mainstream, Donnenfeld says. “These services for pets didn’t used to exist. Veterinary services used to be more minimal, and less specialized or less esoteric. I am in New York City, and they just opened up a private animal hospital here, and business is booming.” 

 

Private veterinary hospitals may attract business because they promise more individualized care, but Donnenfeld is quick to point out that other specialized animal care institutions also do good work.

 

What accounts for the boom in the cute clothes and carriers, and the rise of what Donnenfeld calls “accessory dogs,” those little canines that match their mommies in Gucci or Prada?  “There is an element of stress reduction. Dressing up your dog offers fanciful, adult play,” Donnenfeld explains. “It’s like dressing up your dolls, except that this doll loves you unconditionally, plays with you and shows a devotion to you that is not usually found in humans. A mentor once said to me, ‘No one will ever love you like your dog.’ And he’s right.”

 

Different generational cohorts reap different benefits by having a pet. "Young couples often get pets before they have a child," Donnenfeld tells demo dirt. "They practice sharing their lives with another being, having responsibility for another being, and experiencing demands and restrictions on their time," she explains.

 

Older people enjoy the social aspects of having a pet, either through direct communication with the animal, or the opportunity to engage in conversation with other people through their pets. For instance, walking a dog offers exercise, and when others stop to comment on the canine, it offers a chance at socializing. These social benefits are in addition to the health rewards, Donnenfeld says.

 

Overall, Donnenfeld explains, “There are physiological and psychological benefits to having a pet ranging from better overall health, lowered blood pressure, lowered stress hormones, increased exercise, less social isolation, and lowered levels of depression."

 

Randour, who is also works with the Humane Society of the United States in the Department of Human-Animal Relations, agrees, citing examples of “young children who name their pet their best friend, animal assisted intervention to reduce anxiety, increased positive interaction, [and evidence that having a pet] promotes healing and reduces depression.”

 

It seems that our furry loved ones actually bring us more holiday cheer than many human family members. As Randour tells demo dirt, “Let's face it: they're fun.”

 

Editor's note: If you would like to add a furry friend to your family, please consider saving a life while adding infinite love to your home. Adult animals especially need good homes, and tend to be housebroken, calm and very loving. Go to www.petfinder.com to find a shelter in your area.