Things pet owners can look forward to:

• 2% lower cholesterol than those without pets (this means a 4% lower risk of heart attack).
• Lower levels of triglyceride fats in their blood.
• Lower blood pressure.  The effect of owning a pet is equivalent to eating a low salt diet or cutting back on alcohol consumption. 
• Fewer visits to the doctor and less medication. 
• Lower stress levels.
• Better social skills, especially in children.

Many of these health benefits are due to a healthier lifestyle.  A dog will encourage you to go for a walk even if you don’t really feel like it, if the weather is bad or after dark when you might otherwise be too insecure to go by yourself.  Pets also reduce feelings of loneliness which can lead to depression.  Depressed people are more likely to succumb to illnesses. 

There are also many recorded cases of pets anticipating health crises such as epileptic seizures and diabetic comas and providing enough warning to prevent life-threatening situations.