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How do I adopt a cat?
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Why your pet’s annual check-up is important
Common unwanted behaviours and how to address them
How to help your kitten settle in
How to help your puppy settle in
3-3-3 things to remember when adopting your new best friend
Four reasons to adopt an older animal
Five reasons to adopt a pet from Animal Welfare League
Five things to consider before adopting a pet
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Pets and Mental Health

In the past few years, it has become clear there is an undeniable link between our pets and positive mental health. Research polled 1,000 Australian pet owners and found that 94% of people said that their pets help their overall mental health (Companion Animal Network, 2021).

There are so many different ways pets can benefit our mental health and contribute to our lives in a positive way.

Companionship

Many who live alone or who may spend a lot of time working from home alone find a companion animal beneficial. It makes you feel less alone and especially if you spend all day sitting at a desk, it encourages you to take breaks from your screen, stand up and move around.

Exercise

Dogs give us an excuse to get out and about, leave the house and get some exercise. Going for a walk or to the dog park for a run around is a great way to get out for some fresh air, move our body and keep up a daily routine.

Purpose

Caring for an animal gives us a sense of purpose and responsibility every day. We get to feed, walk and play with our pets. Studies have shown spoiling your pet with one-on-one time, grooming them or teaching them some new tricks is just as beneficial for them as it is for your mental health.

De-stress with your cat

One of the most relaxing things for cat owners is the sound of their cat purring in their lap which releases feel good hormones in our bodies that brings about bonding and helps us feel more positive. You can encourage this connection with your cat by laying a soft blanket over your lap. You can also play games with your cat with rattling toys or chasing feathers.

Click here for more enrichment ideas for your cat.

De-stress with your dog

Playing games with your dog can be mentally stimulating for both you and your dog. It is a great way to burn some energy and relieve stress. Once you’re all tuckered out, relaxing on the couch together, patting your dog or even looking into their eyes releases feel good hormones in our bodies that brings about bonding and helps us feel more optimistic.

Click here for more fun ways to interact with your dog.


Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Thursday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Foster a cat or kitten
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Foster a dog or puppy
About us
Who we are
Policy and position statements
Our team
Contact us
Work with us
Pet projects
Become a member
For the Love of Pets
Support AWL
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer for us
Shop at our thrift shops
Help for your pet
Rehome your pet
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a lost pet
Blog
Pocket pets
Find a vet
ACNC Registered Charity
ACNC Registered Charity
Learn More
A member of Companion Animal Network Australia - CAN
08 8348 1300
support@awl.org.au
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