In terms of developmental processes, companion animals appear to have a significantly positive effect. Studies of young children, both with and without pets, have shown that the children who do own pets demonstrate improved social competence and self-esteem. They also provide something else to focus on, a sense of attachment and of being valued unconditionally. With the presence of a pet around the house, children can learn responsibility, gentle handling, and animal behavior and death. In today's world of high tech toys and video game systems that improve seemingly as fast as personal computers, kids should learn how to care for something other than themselves.
Pets can act as 'security blankets', unquestioning confidantes and valuable companions.
Companion animals have also had a significant impact on our relationships with other people as well. One particular study by the University at Buffalo demonstrates that pet-owning couples have closer relationships and respond better to stress. As part of the study, the systolic blood pressure of couples was measured during situations known to be a source of conflict. In one sense, pets provide us with the ultimate relationship. As humans, we are quick to judge people by their physical appearance.