Portland, Maine 04101 United States
The word “pet” comes from a sixteenth century Scottish word, describing an affectionate bond between domesticated or tamed animals and people. Changing cultural attitudes toward animal care during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries prompted people to bring pets indoors, and into families. Many Mainers have dogs and cats as their primary animal companions. Some made unconventional pet choices in the past, including moose, deer, raccoons, and even seals! Highlighting the attachment between humans and pets, as of 2024, 59 percent of US households own a pet. In Maine, 64 percent of homes have pets—of those, approximately 36 percent have dogs, 44 percent have cats, and under 4 percent each of fish, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Pet guardians spend approximately 67 million dollars on animals each year in Maine. However, research shows that pets also care for humans by providing health benefits for people, including increased longevity, emotional support, and reduced stress levels.
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