The benefits pets bring to people’s lives are well known and owning one can also significantly improve physical and mental health and encourage the maintenance of independence. For example, when feeding their pets it reminds owners that they also need to prepare a meal for themselves whereas, if they were on their own, they may not bother to prepare anything. Likewise, owners will need to shop for provisions for their pet and this gives a reason to get their own food too. As for keeping warm in winter, some people put the heating on or turn it up to keep their pets warm thus keeping themselves warm and safe too.