1. Disadvantages
1.1. Increased exercise
1.1.1. Effects already reduced endurance
1.1.2. Effects already reduced strength
1.2. Diseases from pets
1.3. Allergies
1.4. Cost of owning and caring for a pet
1.5. High injury rates for pet owners
1.5.1. Falls risk
1.5.2. Skin tears and bruising from scratches
1.6. Single exposure to pets has no benefits
1.7. Death of a pet
1.7.1. Grief
1.7.2. Non compliance with healthcare
1.7.3. Similar to human bereavement
1.7.4. Effects wellbeing
1.7.4.1. Disruption to daily routine
1.7.4.2. Disturbed sleep patterns
1.7.4.3. Loss of appetite
1.7.4.4. Increased stress if the owner depends on them for the majority of their emotional support
1.7.4.5. Increased psychological symptoms
1.7.4.6. Loss of motivation
1.7.5. Revived memories
1.7.6. Lack of pet bereavement support
1.7.7. Reduced participation in social activities
1.7.8. Owner may feel responsible
1.8. Non compliance with healthcare
1.8.1. Disregard health advice if it meant getting rid of the pet
1.8.2. Avoid hospital admission
2. Motivations to take on a caring role
2.1. Pet ownership can be conceptualised as an occupation
2.1.1. Meaningful
2.1.1.1. Personal meaning
2.1.1.2. Social meaning
2.1.2. Contribues to health and wellbeing
2.1.3. Improves quality of life
2.1.4. Requires skills
2.1.4.1. Cognitive
2.1.4.2. Social
2.1.4.3. Assertivness
2.1.4.4. Negotiation
2.1.4.5. Observation
2.1.4.6. Caregiving
2.2. Source of responsibility
2.2.1. Make long term plans
2.2.2. Financial decisions
2.2.3. Increased self worth/ self esteem
2.3. Provides a relationship
2.3.1. Someone to love
2.3.2. Without the negatives of a human relationship
2.3.3. Companionship
2.3.4. Improves quality of life
2.4. Provides a purpose
2.4.1. Productiveness
2.4.2. Motivation
2.4.3. Promotes structure and organisation
2.5. Routines associated with pets are an important component of everyday life
2.6. Security
2.7. Voluntary behaviour
2.8. Provides a role
2.8.1. Nurturing
3. Physical
3.1. Reduction in health conditions
3.1.1. Coronary heart disease risk
3.1.2. Cardiovascular disease risk
3.1.3. Blood pressure
3.1.3.1. Doesn't matter if its your dog or not
3.1.4. Cholesterol
3.1.5. Reduced heart rate
3.2. Decreased mortality following treatment for illnesses
3.3. Reduced fatigue
3.4. Enhanced self care
3.4.1. Pets are dependant on owners, prompting them to take care of themselves
3.5. Pets help to schedule activities
3.5.1. Routine Feeding
3.5.2. Structure to daily routine
3.5.3. Act as a clock
3.6. Increased physical activity
3.6.1. Dog Walking
3.6.2. Throwing toys
3.6.3. Playing
3.6.4. AAT: Increased ROM, strength and balance
3.7. Less use of GP services
4. Emotional
4.1. Emotional bond
4.1.1. Similar to human/family bond
4.1.2. Treated like family members
4.2. Source of support
4.2.1. Help through hard times
4.2.1.1. More students doing this than general people
4.2.2. Share feelings
4.2.3. Mirror human relationships
4.2.4. Non judgemental
4.2.5. Emotional acceptance
4.3. Emotional attachment
4.4. Feeling of love
4.4.1. Hugging
4.4.2. Kissing
4.4.3. Holding
4.4.4. Affection
4.5. Reduce loneliness
4.5.1. AAA on a 1:1 level, not groups, this is similar to owning a pet
4.6. Increased morale
4.7. Satisfaction
5. Psychological
5.1. Decreased anxiety
5.2. Reduced stress
5.2.1. pets buffer the impact
5.3. Heightened positive mood
5.4. Decrease in depressive symptoms
5.5. Alleviate negative moods
5.6. Decreased phobias
5.7. Provide a calming effect
5.7.1. Relaxation
5.8. Reduced risk of suicide
6. Social
6.1. Reinstate disrupted occupations
6.1.1. Motherhood
6.2. Facilitate communication between patient and healthcare professionals
6.3. Companionship
6.3.1. Bonding
6.3.2. Friend
6.3.3. Attachment
6.4. Increased conversation with others
6.4.1. Other pet owners
6.4.2. Vet
6.4.3. Community members
6.4.4. Learn socially appropriate behaviours
6.5. Social outlet
6.5.1. Someone to talk to to reduce loneliness