Pet owners on average have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Pet owners recover more quickly from illness and surgery. Pet owners deal better with stressful situations and are less likely to feel lonely. Pet care is also one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. Pet ownership is being compromised in the push for urban consolidation.
Smaller backyards discourage people from owning pets.
Some local councils are actively limiting the number of pets people are permitted to own. Dogs are banned in many parks. For owners to exercise their dogs regularly they need access to public open space. Some states have legislation affecting ownership of cats. Because of the considerable benefits pet ownership brings to individuals, the community and the economy, serious attention should be given to the issues limiting pet ownership.