There is some evidence that pets can facilitate social interaction. Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Leslie Irvine has focused her attention on pets of the homeless population. Her studies of pet ownership among the homeless found that many modify their life activities for fear of losing their pets. Additionally, many refuse to house in shelters if their pet is not allowed to stay with them.
- This includes 7 million dogs, 7.5 million cats, 16 million fish, 12 million birds, and 10 million snakes.
- Rescue groups try to find suitable homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs, cats, and other pets, many taken from shelters where they would otherwise have been euthanized.
- However, such findings have not been consistent as other studies reported zero or even negative effects of pet ownership on physical and mental health.
- Other pets may be bred for racing or other competitive