Imagine this: after a long day of back-to-back meetings, you flop onto the couch feeling drained. Suddenly, a wet nose nudges your hand! Your dog is by your side, tail thumping against the cushions. Or perhaps your cat quietly curls up in your lap, purring contentedly. Immediately, the tension melts away. It seems pets have an uncanny ability to comfort us and lift our spirits, even on the toughest days.
It's not just in your head: spending time with pets truly does reduce stress and boost happiness. Our animal companions improve our well-being, so let’s explore how we can keep them healthy and happy. We'll also highlight some pawsome pet perks to help you spoil your pet (while saving money).
There's a reason that therapy animals are welcomed into hospitals and schools: pets genuinely have a positive effect on our minds and bodies. Simply petting a dog or cat can trigger a release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin (the “cuddle chemical”) and lower our cortisol (stress hormone) levels (source: veterinarypracticenews.ca). Just a few minutes with a friendly animal can reduce blood pressure and help us feel calmer almost instantly (source: hsgn.ca). In fact, 86% of pet owners say their pets positively impact their mental health, with stress relief and companionship being noted as major benefits (Source:hsgn.ca).
Pets don’t just provide everyday comfort – they're increasingly recognized as part of formal therapy programs (source:hsgn.ca). Many workplaces and campuses bring in therapy dogs to help people de-stress. For example, a Canadian study found that a single session with a therapy dog during exam week significantly reduced students’ stress levels (source: psychologytoday.com).
Enjoying all the joy our pets give us comes with responsibility. They depend on us for food, shelter, exercise, medical care, and of course, affection. Taking good care of them – feeding them quality food, keeping up with vet visits, grooming, and plenty of play – is how we return the love. And here's a bonus: caring for pets boosts our well-being too. For example, having a dog practically forces you to go out for walks, and those walks are great exercise for both parties. In fact, dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily fitness goals than people without dogs (source: hsgn.ca). The routine of looking after a pet also adds structure and purpose to your day – for example, there’s nothing like a hungry cat meowing at 6 a.m. to keep you on schedule! When we invest in our pets' happiness, we're really investing in our own health and happiness as well.
Venngo’s perks makes spoiling your pet easier on your wallet. The platform’s Pets category is full of deals for furry friends. From pet food and toys to grooming salons and insurance plans, here are some pet perks by region:
Alberta
Pamper your pup at Dazzling Dogs Pet Spaw in Alberta, turning a routine grooming session into a special treat. With your Venngo Perks, your pet gets a top-notch shampoo and trim while you enjoy the savings.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, check out Pets 1st – a pet supply store with everything from food and treats to toys and beds. Using your perk, you can stock up on essentials at Pets 1st and save while you shop.
Ontario
Barks n Rec (doggy daycare) and On The Ball K9 Services (dog training classes) will keep your pup happy and well-behaved. City pet parents can rely on The Village Dog Inc. or Unleashed in the City for dog walking, boarding, and other urban adventures when you’re busy. For pet supplies, Finny Friends has everything from aquarium gear to cat and dog toys, Royal Dog Chains offers stylish custom collars, and HOTSPOT FOR PETS INC is an all-in-one pet store for every need - all of which are included in Venngo’s perks.
National (Canada)
Across Canada, Venngo partners with pet brands to help you care for your companion. For health needs, TELUS Health MyPet provides 24/7 virtual vet access, and you can save on pet insurance with Fetch or Petsecure. For nutrition and fun, Foley Dog Treat and Healthybud offer wholesome treats and food your pet will love. If your pet is an escape artist, Tractive’s GPS tracker helps you keep tabs on their adventures. Plus, Rover connects you with pet sitters and dog walkers nationwide, and Walkabout Canine Consulting offers training advice for any behavioral hiccups.
National (United States)
U.S. members get plenty of pet perks, too. Save at Petco and Chewy for your pet supplies, or try fresh meal plans from The Farmer’s Dog to delight your pup. Prefer natural products? Only Natural Pet has holistic pet foods and supplements. Tech-savvy pet parent? Petlibro offers smart feeders and fountains. You can also save on pet meds through Canada Pet Care, Best Vet Care, or BudgetVetCare.com, and even get discounts on pet insurance with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Spot. Your pet gets the best, and you save money – a win-win!
Our pets brighten our lives, so it's only fitting to spoil them in return. With Venngo, treating your furry friend is easy and affordable, whether it's a new toy, a vet check-up, or a spa day at the groomer. Go ahead and explore the Pets category on Venngo - you're bound to find the perfect perk to make your pet’s day (and you'll be smiling too when you see that wagging tail or content purr). A less-stressed, more joyful life for you and your pet? That's pet therapy in action.
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