Many clients say that taking care of a pet is one of the best methods of emotional support and stress relief. It helps you get activated and may force you to take some exercise (walking the dog) on a regular schedule. Talking about pets and pet care can be a good start if you want to communicate with other people. Many clients with eating disorder or a personality disorder love a pet because it can be a source of unconditional love and companionship.

Having a pet is not possible, or a good choice, for everybody. Allergies, other medical reasons or lack of money might exclude this option for you. You also have to consider a long-term responsibility for the animal. It must not be a substitute for human beings and contacts and must not be used as as the object of personal frustration and aggression.

If you do not want (or are not allowed) to have a pet you might think about watching animals in nature, reading about animals or watching a film on TV...