Pets

There are an estimated 13 million dogs and cats in the UK, and that's not even counting the countless rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, snakes, tarantulas, goldfish, stick insects etc. 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. 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; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress. 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. They may look cute but pets still have their wild urges. Here are articles on how to stop your dog barking, keeping exotic animals, pet passports, making sure your cat isn't feasting on the birds in your garden and much more.