Benefits of Pet Adoption for Single People

Pets can help you socialize with other people by "forcing" you to go outside. They improve your self-esteem and give you a sense of responsibility, two things that are very beneficial for single people.
Benefits of Pet Adoption for Single People

Last update: 30 November, 2018

Pet adoption is a wise choice if you want some great company for many years. For single people, it can be exactly what they need when they get home because sharing their life with a pet is a really great experience. In this article, you can learn about the benefits of adopting a pet for single people.

Benefits of pet adoption for single people

One of the advantages of having a pet is that they never “discriminate” anyone, no matter their age or marital status. However, for a single person, adopting a dog or cat, whether it’s a Yorkshire, a Great Dane, or a Turkish Angora cat, is great for their emotional health. Among the benefits, you can find:

1. A way to get rid of loneliness

Perhaps you made the decision to live on your own, but that doesn’t mean you sometimes won’t feel lonely. The best solution is pet adoption! Of course, it is! Because when you get home, you’ll have someone ready to greet you, wagging their tail, or meowing so you can pet them. 

Animals are very affectionate, and constantly express their love and gratitude, especially if at some point in their lives they have suffered from hunger, the cold, or violence. No doubt, pets can get rid of y our loneliness when we have no one else around.

Man shaking hands with his dog

2. They get you to socialize

As mentioned earlier, you might want to make new friends, or even–why not?– find love! In order to do that, you can “take advantage” of the social benefits of having a pet when you take them out for a walk in the park. 

Taking your pet out for a walk will make you a more sociable person. It allows you to interact with others, talk to strangers, and brag all about your canine friend!

3. They can improve your self-esteem

This is another one of the benefits of pet adoption for singles. Therefore, adopting a cat or dog is also recommended for older people who live alone. Without a doubt, they sure make a pleasant company.

Animals are amazing! They make everyone feel great. When you’re having a bad day, are depressed or sad, or have received some bad news, they’ll always be there to comfort you, and put a smile on your face.  

4. They help you get some daily exercise

Whether you’re a very active person, or you need to get rid of your sedentary lifestyle, a pet would be perfect for you! You could sign up for a canicross race, or go bikejoring, which is a competitive way to bike and hike with your dog.

Pet adoption is great, especially for this woman that runs with her dog

However, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy exercise with your dog. You can also go on a walk to the park, beach, or around the block a few times. Say goodbye to extra weight and stop thinking that exercising is only possible at the gym.

5. They help you become more responsible

It’s true that a single person has to take care of many things at home, but it’s also true that sometimes, it’s wonderful to add some additional responsibility — a friend to interact with.

Pet adoption is a commitment that you can’t back away from. Animals need food, affection, a nice place to sleep, games…and their owners must give them everything they need. There’s no doubt they deserve it!

Finally, you’ll have to ask yourself which pet is perfect for you. If you choose to have a dog, keep in mind that you’ll have to take them out walks, and they practically don’t like being left alone.

If you prefer a cat, that can be a great choice, because they are more independent animals. You won’t have to walk them, and they have no problems staying home alone all day.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Gómez G, L. F., Atehortua H, C. G., & Orozco P, S. C. (2007). La influencia de las mascotas en la vida humana. Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.