I remember very vividly a few key dates in my life. The majority of them have been days new members entered my family. As the oldest, the days my brother and sister entered our family were obviously significant. On top of that, I cherish the days each and every one of my furry siblings have entered our home.

Currently, I have three cats and one dog. Throughout my life, this has been the status quo. There never existed a time in my childhood that did not involve at least two animals living in my house. Because of this, I adamantly believe that growing up with animals is one of the most important things that every child should experience.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), roughly 37-47 percent of households in the United States have a dog and 30-37 percent have a cat. This means that I am not alone in my animal-integrated upbringing and I am most likely not alone in my belief.

However, as my generation reaches adulthood, I hope everyone who is ready and able adopts a pet. Even if your pet companionship is not as a young child, there is something unique and special about coexisting with an animal. Thus, I have composed the following list as to why I think everyone should own a pet sometime in their life:

1. Saving a life: Every year, ASPCA calculates that 2.7 million pets are euthanized. This number is alarmingly high and a simple way to lower it is to adopt. When you adopt an animal, you save their life. Is that not in itself a good enough reason to get a pet? Alas, I shall continue.
2. Social life: Have trouble in social situations? A pet may be your solution. Having a companion animal allows for an instant ice breaker in any social situation. The result is an increased social circle and confidence in oneself. Trust me, I met my best friend through our common obsession with our dogs. And once you befriend someone, what better way to spend time with them than to walk your dogs together?
3. Respect & Sympathy: Because a pet relies on you for is basic needs, you thus become more empathetic towards other people. This may seem like odd, but hear me out. Just like with young children, you must take on a role as caretaker for your pet. As a result, you create a relationship between you and that animal that is based on respect. Since you are constantly helping him or her, you generate a new understanding for those that may be in a different situation as you. Thus, the result is respect and sympathy when interacting with people.
4. Responsibility: Now, I will sound like a parent. I know you’ve all probably heard this a million times, but it is true. As a caretaker, you are responsible for your pet’s life. Coupled with the sympathy and respect this creates, it also creates responsibility. You realize that there are more living beings on this Earth than just yourself and you need to take care of them. Thus, one adapts to be a more responsible person because they genuinely want to ensure their pet’s health and happiness.
5. Physical health: According to Animal Planet, a pediatrician from University of Wisconsin-Madison named James E. Gern has conducted numerous studies on the relationship between pet ownership and health. While this may not affect people who first adopt pets in their twenties or thirties, Gern’s studies say that the child’s likelihood of developing animal-related allergies decrease by 33 percent if they have a pet. These children additionally develop stronger immune systems. However, if you are one in your twenties or thirties, physical health benefits are not lost! Animal Planet also cites the CDC in showing that those with pets are less likely to develop heart problems and extreme stress. On top of this, those with a dog, and possibly an extremely active cat, have a constant workout companion. I know that for me personally, I am motivated to run because that means spending time with my dog, which is an additional physical health benefit from having a pet.
6. Unconditional love: On an emotional level, animals are always happy. While this may be an enviable trait, it also is a significant one to humans. The fact is, that we’re not always happy. Maybe we had a rough day at work or school, or recently went through a breakup. Regardless, companion animals offer friendship and love regardless of your current work or social situation. This can lead to increased happiness and confidence in yourself because you know that regardless of how bad life can get, you always have Fido to come home to.
7. It’s really, really fun: I’m not going to lie. I have loved every second of my life with my pets. Yes, cleaning up dog poop is not my favorite part, but it's worth it. I have developed relationships with my animals that I cannot begin to describe. It exceeds words. Anyone who has an animal understands this, and if you don’t, I wholeheartedly encourage you to adopt so you can experience it. There is nothing on this Earth quite like looking into your cat’s eyes and reaching a wordless understanding of love.

Regardless of your age, adopting a pet is the best thing a person can do. As my peers and I reach adulthood, I hope we can carry on the tradition of pet ownership to the next generation because it is the most magical thing on Earth.