Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, a bird person, or choose to find companionship with another animal, you know how much a pet can make you smile and laugh. You also know that other people love talking about their pets and sharing pictures.
Enter the Legendary Pet Contest! In efforts to encourage connection and positivity to the workplace, we asked all UA faculty and staff to tell us how their pet makes them smile and laugh from your pet’s point-of-view and share a picture. We received 65 sweet, silly, and creative submissions from employees and their pets and voting in the bracket-style competition begins on our Instagram stories Monday, June 16th. Anyone is eligible to vote so make sure to follow us on Instagram @WellBAMA. We’re so excited to see who YOU crown as UA’s Legendary Pet of 2025!
Send love to another animal
Our pets appreciate our love and care, so let’s pay that forward by donating items to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter through the entire month of June! Wellness and Work-Life has a collection box in front of their office in the Employee Resource Center (1515 Flint River Drive) where you can drop off any donation items.
Benefits of having a pet
There are countless benefits to having a pet or two or three in your life. You’re probably familiar with some of the joys and positives that any animal can bring like boosting your mood, increasing your opportunity for physical activity, and feeling their unconditional love. Read on to learn about even more benefits.
Mental Benefits
Of course, having a pet can improve your mood by doing something silly or snuggling up next to you. Pets can also decrease your risk for anxiety and depression and reduce the effects of daily stress. Caring for a pet can also provide more opportunities for social connection with other pet parents.
Physical Benefits
If you have a dog, you know how active they can keep you… walks or playing fetch and tug-of-war. Even if you have a cat, their need to play also provides you with the opportunity for more physical activity. All that exercise can help lower your blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular health. Did you know that a pet can boost your immune system too? Being exposed to pet dander and germs your animal might bring can actually have a positive impact on your physical health.
Emotional Benefits
The emotional benefits of having a pet are abundant and incredibly important. Animals can provide companionship, which reduces the feelings of loneliness. They can offer protection and security allowing you to feel comfortable at home or around the neighborhood. Having a pet also comes with the responsibility of caring for another living thing, providing you with a sense of purpose and encouraging a daily routine.
If you’re not ready or don’t have the means to have a pet, there are still many options for you to enjoy the benefits of being around animals. You can be a pet sitter for your friends and family, you could foster animals that need a home while their waiting to be adopted, or you can volunteer at the Metro Animal Shelter.