Nearly everyone that I know has at least one pet; in today's world, adopting furry (or not so furry) bundles of joy to become parts of our family has become a social norm. When a pet is adopted by their new human family, they become a significant part of their human's daily lives (meaning they manipulate them completely with their cuteness). Though taking care of a pet is not always the most glamorous part of the day, having a pet in one's life provides a variety of social, mental, and physical benefits.

1. Pets make their owners exercise more (whether they want to or not).

Most pets are active and require a lot of play time and walks throughout the week, now people even walk their cats on leashes! In order to keep a pet happy and healthy owners end up becoming more active and spend more time outside with them.

2. They make you laugh, even when you're trying to be mad at them.

Pets do the strangest things, and drag their owners into funny situations all the time. They have an endless supply of curiosity that launches them into new adventures both in and out of the home, and you can't help but laugh at some of their antics as they explore the world around them.

3. Pets are a great icebreaker when meeting new people.

Most people are excited to see someone out and about with their animal, and will often want to come up and say hi to you both! It's a great way to meet new people and have a subject that you know (your pet) to talk about, and a great way to socialize your pet as well to get them used to meeting lots of different people.

4. Pets teach their owners how to be responsible for and take care of someone other than themselves.

Taking care of an animal that is extremely dependent upon you teaches owners to be more sympathetic towards others. It will also force you to put yourself, and your pet, on a regular food, play time, and exercise schedule so that you can both coexist happily.

5. They help to relieve your stress.

In addition to the extra exercise and laughter that owning a pet provides, simply being around a pet is proven to reduce stress levels which will improve an individual's overall quality of life. Animals are sensitive to their owners and will often provide comfort when they are distressed.

6. They love you unconditionally, and sometimes that's what we really need in our life.

Pets provide affection and friendship with no questions or judgement. They forgive you if you forget to refill their food bowl on time, and are constantly seeking their owner's attention, approval, and company.