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T e Modern Family Pets & Family Life


security in their furry companions. It usually begins with a hopeful pause outside a pet shop window, or a passionate presentation on why a puppy is a vital life necessity. While most parents know the promises of early morning walks often evaporate at the fi rst sign of rain, the benefi ts of saying “yes” might go deeper than we realise. In the age of digital saturation and school-gate pressure, pets are quietly stepping up as the ultimate low-tech therapists for a generation under pressure.


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Confi dence through care T e magic of the bond between pet and owner lies in its simplicity. In the performative world of social media or exams, a pet off ers a rare, judgement- free zone. A cat doesn’t care about a low-test score, and a dog is never too busy to listen. Dr Elena Tourini, a consultant


HAVING A PET/PEXELS The healing bond


As childhood anxiety rises, new research reveals how the family pet has evolved into a vital emotional anchor for a generation under pressure. Words: Amber-Rose Hurst


Because pets are family


For many people, pets aren’t just animals — they’re family


T at’s why Closer Pets, one of the UK’s leading providers of innova- tive pet care solutions and home to the Cat Mate, Dog Mate and Fish Mate brands, creates products that enhance the daily routines of pet parents while putting pets’ wellbeing fi rst. From the elegant Ceramic Wa-


ter Fountain to the Five-Meal Au- tomatic Feeders, every product makes everyday pet care simpler, healthier and more enjoyable. Designed with feline wellbeing in


mind, the newly launched Ceramic Water Fountain provides fl owing, fresh-tasting, naturally oxygenated water. By appealing to cats’ instinc- tive preference for running water — associated with freshness and safety in the wild — it encourag- es them to drink more. T at same attention to wellbeing is refl ected in its construction. Crafted from food-safe ceramic with three-stage fi ltration, it stays hygienic for longer, won’t retain odours that discourage drinking and is easy to clean — as well as complementing any interior. T e Five-Meal Automatic Pet


Feeders, meanwhile, off er peace of mind for busy pet parents. Simple to set up, with an easy-to-use dig- ital timer and featuring generous, easy-to-clean food compartments, they deliver reliable, on-time feed- ing bowls, giving you freedom and your pet comforting routine, even when plans change.


For sensitive dogs: ‘normal’ is bad, ‘weird’ is wonderful


FIVE-MEAL AUTOMATIC FEEDER


Studies show that beef, chicken and lamb are among the top allergy triggers in dogs because they’re the most common ingredients in commercial pet food


CERAMIC WATER FOUNTAIN Discover more at closerpets.co.uk


Yora was created because the founders saw that conventional meat was making some dogs sick, so they developed recipes using insect protein — nature’s original superfood. Insect protein is bet- ter than traditional meat in many ways. It’s hypoallergenic, packed with antioxidants and contains


healthy fats like coconut oil, so it’s great for healthy skin and hair. “Rosie was always chewing


her paws, and they had pain- ful, red-raw patches. We tried every food, including raw, and nothing worked. After a matter of days on Yora, her paws looked so much better, and we could already feel hair regrowth. Yora’s been a lifeline!” said one customer.


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Covering everything from meal-


times and hydration to rest, safe ac- cess and self-cleaning litter boxes, Closer Pets creates thoughtfully de- signed products for cats, dogs and fi sh. Blending trusted technology with practical innovation, Closer Pets helps families care better for the pets they love every day — enhancing the lives of pets and their families.


psychologist and co-founder of T e Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says, “Having a pet can be genuinely helpful for a child’s mental health. T e reason is quite straightforward. Pets off er a kind of emotional steadiness that children often fi nd hard to get anywhere else. A pet doesn’t judge, criticise or demand much except basic care, which can be reassuring when a child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed.” T is steady presence helps a child feel understood, even when they can’t quite fi nd the words to express or explain their feelings.” Beyond the comfort of a cuddle,


pets can provide children with a tangible sense of agency. Dr Emily


ccording to the RSPCA nearly 90% of UK children identify as animal-lovers, fi nding a unique sense of


Promotional Content • Saturday 7th February 2026


CARING FOR A PET/FREEPIK


Crosby, a child and educational psychologist, notes: “Animals off er a safe, comforting space for children where there’s no pressure on them to speak or carry out demands that may be expected from them by people.” She also points out that the responsibility of care can make children feel good about themselves, supporting their self-esteem without placing too much pressure on them. T is sentiment is mirrored by Dr Elena, who observes that “feeding, walking or grooming a pet gives a child small, manageable tasks that build confi dence and a sense of competence”.


A bond, not a burden T is daily ritual of care builds a vital safety net at home. Research published in the World Journal of Pediatrics in 2025 suggests that having animals in the home during children’s formative years can protect them against social withdrawal and quiet anxieties as they grow. However, there’s no doubt that the relationship of support must be a mutual one, and families should ensure that they’re ready for the responsibility of a pet. As Dr Sam


Gaines, the head of companion animals at the RSPCA, explains, “Bringing any pet into the family is a long-term commitment. Taking time to choose the right pet for your circumstances, understanding their needs, making sure you can meet them and seeking the appropriate advice before deciding can ensure a positive and safe experience for both your family and your pet.” Dr Sam adds that, while pets


can be an important emotional crutch for children, it’s important to appropriately supervise children and pets. “Knowing when to leave them alone is vital, as well as ensuring they have their own space to retreat to.”


SOURCES


RSPCA, 2025 Animal Kindness Index World Journal of Pediatrics, Impact of pet ownership in early childhood at ages 1 and 4-5 years old on mental heath at ages 7-8: fi ndings from INMA project, 2025


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