Companion Animal refers to an animal that is kept for pleasure or protection.
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Arguments in favor of | Arguments opposing |
| It lives together with its owner. | |
| Companion animals provide company to their owners. | Looking after companion animals requires time, money and effort. |
| It provides pleasure or protection to its owner. | |
| Companion animals can have positive impact on both physical and mental health of their owner. | Companion animals may increase particular health risks (e.g. allergies, asthma, parasites, and injuries). |