Pet owners have better physical health due to exercise with their pets. Children exposed to humane education programs display enhanced empathy for humans compared with children not exposed to such programs. Positive self-esteem of children is enhanced by owning a pet. Children's cognitive development can be enhanced by owning a pet. The presence of a dog during a child's physical examination decreases their stress.
Children owning pets are more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores.
Children exposed to pets during the first year of life have a lower frequency of allergic rhintis and asthma. Childen with autism have more prosocial behaviors less autistic behaviors such as self-absorption. Children who own pets score significantly higher on empathy and prosocial orientation scales than non-owners. Pets fulfill many of the same support functions as humans for adults and children. People who have AIDS that have pets have less depression and reduced stress.