MANY animal lovers talk about the therapeutic benefits of owning a pet.

Vera Scanlon shares her Bradford home with 13 guinea pigs, three cats and a dog and says animals have helped her through the toughest times in her life.

When Vera’s caretaking career was curtailed due to her back problems, her pets gave her another focus. She says combing her guinea pigs’ hair, and walking her German Shepherd, is also beneficial to her arthritis.

The 63-year-old explains that the heat from the guinea pigs warms up her cold hands and having her dog to walk pushes her to go out.

Vera refers to the therapeutic benefits animals can bring when talking about how nursing homes often arrange for animals to visit.

She says having something to focus on and look after, other than yourself, can also help those who are living alone. Animals also provide companionship.

“I found having something to look after besides myself took me out of myself,” says Vera.

She says she was used to caring for others. She also has two grown-up daughters and grandchildren. Having her animals has given Vera additional responsibility which she relishes.

But Vera isn’t the only one lauding the benefits of animal ownership. According to a survey carried out by the National Pet Show, the number of households owning pets in the UK has increased 15 per cent since 2010.

Out of the survey’s 321 respondents, 90 per cent of which were women and 70 per cent were aged 25 to 54, 98% of pet owners say that owning a pet gives them a healthier lifestyle and reduces stress levels.

Ninety six per cent said they believed that children also benefit from a happier and healthier lifestyle when living in a household with a pet.

Vera agrees pets can be perfect for children: “It is learning about and thinking about anything other than themselves,” she says.

“I look at what the animals need; heat, food, warmth and it is companionship, especially for the elderly, and it is really helpful for them.”

Terry Singh, manager of Bradford and District RSPCA, says: “I think animals are very therapeutic in general for people. If people spend time getting to know an animal a bond is developed.”

He explains owners get to know their pet’s characteristics and develop a relationship with them and a bond which brings happiness and contentment to both the owner and the animal.

“If you imagine when people look into a fish tank – you may notice quite a few at vets’ practices – they have a calming effect on you because you relax,” explains Terry. He says pets can also be a perfect companion and can bring the happiest moments in life. “Provided you treat them well, respect them and value them then you have a friend for life,” adds Terry.

Noel Fitzpatrick, star of hit Channel 4 series The Supervet, said: “I firmly believe that the essence of unconditional love shared between a pet and their guardian represents the very best of the human condition, so the results of this research do not surprise me.

“When you see the family of a pet in the presence of their animal, their entire vivacity changes, they ‘light up’.

“As a vet, I have dedicated my life to exploring all of the options available for the animals I treat.

“As well as forming wonderful relationships with the animals themselves, the relationships with the pet’s families are truly outstanding.

“Meeting people who would do everything they can to save their pets from pain or harm is the most remarkable part of the job.”

The National Pet Show, dedicated to the nation’s passion for pets and sponsored by MyPetonline, was held for the first time at NEC Birmingham over the weekend.

Rabbit show jumping, doggy dancing and 400 animals were just some of the attractions aimed at pet lovers. National Pet Show is the sister event of the London Pet Show which has entertained visitors for four years.