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If you had a pet while growing up, you probably have some great memories. Pets are our first friends. They comfort us, protect us, explore with us, and play with us. It’s no wonder they’re so important to us during those early years!

Recent studies show that kids who grow up with pets are healthier than those who don’t. Dogs seem to be the best improvers on physical health, although cats also improve it. Some evidence shows that babies from families with pets are healthier overall throughout their first year of life. They also have lower incidences of allergies and asthma.

It’s a complex topic, but some researchers think that exposure to the microbes from pets helps an infant’s immune systems mature. That means fewer illnesses both short- and long-term!

However, pets are great for children’s mental and emotional health, too. In fact, some researchers think pets are instrumental in healthy childhood development. The presence of animals reduces stress, helps kids learn to communicate, and teaches socialization.

Sure, not every home is ready for a pet. But these statistics — and these 56 photos — make a pretty compelling argument.

1. They love getting into trouble together

These two friends might be tiny, but that’s not going to stop them from getting into anything and everything they want. Size doesn’t matter when you have teamwork and determination!

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Imgur Source: Imgur

2. “This better be for you”

Some babies love baths and some hate them. The same goes for cats. But since this kitty does a pretty good job of bathing himself, he probably won’t get into the tub unless he falls in.

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Imgur Source: Imgur

3. Everybody gets a pillow

This snuggle works out perfectly for everyone involved! With one head on top of the other, both dog and child enjoy a pillow and a little bit of warmth. That’s how to make a naptime a win-win situation for everyone.

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Imgur/anwarulrana Source: Imgur/anwarulrana

4. I’ll be the big spoon

Is there anything cuter than a baby and a puppy snuggling? How about a baby and a puppy spooning? That dog’s happy smile says it all!

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Imgur/JarrodKnoten Source: Imgur/JarrodKnoten

5. They don’t cry over spilled milk, they drink it

When all your friends are cats, spilling milk isn’t a reason to cry. Instead, it creates the perfect opportunity to feast! No wonder this little girl is the cats’ best friend. When she’s around, there’s free milk.

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Imgur/spacecatsociety Source: Imgur/spacecatsociety

6. Meeting the newest member of the family

Introducing pets to new babies can be a delicate process, but something tells me these two will be okay. The dog’s first act was to kiss the infant.

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Imgur/grin660 Source: Imgur/grin660

7. Monkey see monkey do

These two friends aren’t just striking the same pose, but they’re also dressed head to toe in orange and white! Who wouldn’t want to dress up just like their best buddy?

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Imgur Source: Imgur

8. That’s what I call a snuggle

There are snuggles and then there are SNUGGLES if you know what I mean. These two are so cozy that I’m jealous of not having a puppy right beside me, too.

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Instagram/mommasgonecity Source: Instagram/mommasgonecity

9. Help me

Pets love kids, but kids don’t always understand boundaries — which leads to plenty of situations like this. Hopefully, the dog will survive his face-grabbing and learn to take it all in stride.

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Attack of the Cute Source: Attack of the Cute

10. He’s got her paw

This Maine Coon cat is the same size as this baby, but that similarity isn’t important to him. What’s most important to this cat is taking his role seriously as this little girl’s protector — so he always holds her hand!

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Amy Bojo via LoveMeow Source: Amy Bojo via LoveMeow

11. Bunnies can be best friends, too

Cats and dogs might be the most popular pets, but that doesn’t eliminate them from also being your best bud. This bunny gets plenty of love, making it clear he has a special place in her heart.

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Tumblr/Vintage Pinegreenwoods Source: Tumblr/Vintage Pinegreenwoods

12. Puppy love

There’s nothing like capturing the small, sweet moment like this. The pure love this little girl has for her dog is clearly evident in the way she looks at him so lovingly.

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Bored Panda Source: Bored Panda

13. The trouble team

Kids and animals come up with all sorts of shenanigans when they put their heads together. This little guy doesn’t just have one dog on his team but four!

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Facebook/Dejan Klajic Source: Facebook/Dejan Klajic

14. When you share something in common with a friend

This little boy has heterochromia, meaning his eyes are two different colors. It’s pretty rare, but luckily for him, he’s found a feline friend with the same condition! The two of them even have blue eyes on the same side.

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Facebook/Bored Panda Animals Source: Facebook/Bored Panda Animals

15. You need a friend you can be weird with

Kids love being mischievous so having an animal join in is the perfect way to have fun. Most of the time, they’re all too happy to do so. Let’s face it — animals are pretty weird, too!

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Reddit/Buzzspucket Source: Reddit/Buzzspucket

16. This kid doesn’t need to fear anything

This little boy might be small, but he’s got a larger-than-life protector watching his back. His German Shepherd is right there to protect him from any trouble that comes his way.

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Reddit/JoeSicbo Source: Reddit/JoeSicbo

17. One of them thinks this is hilarious

Animals don’t enjoy everything that children do to them. Kids don’t always have a good sense of boundaries, which means that cats and dogs get picked up, poked, prodded, and crowded. This cat’s face says it all.

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Reddit/DaytonF7 Source: Reddit/DaytonF7

18. This dog knows how to take care of his girl


Dogs take their roles as caretakers very seriously, and this dog is a perfect example! He saw his girl needed a drink, so he was happy to turn the fountain on for her.

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Reddit/hkh25 Source: Reddit/hkh25

19. Best friends for every era

It took a long time for dogs to earn the title of man’s best friend. Considering it’s a relationship that’s lasted millennia, it’s not surprising there are pictures of kids and their dogs hanging out in every era!

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Imgur Source: Imgur

21. Introductions happen slowly

It takes time for pets to acclimate to new babies. This infant girl hasn’t been home long, but the cat is already warming up to her. Today, she decided they’re going to hold paws.

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Imgur/Jesscrazy Source: Imgur/Jesscrazy

22. If this doesn’t touch you, you have a heart of stone

The love this little girl has for her dog is overflowing. You can see it in her face as she snuggles up to him in the middle of the playground. It was worth stopping everything for a moment!

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Reddit/SThist Source: Reddit/SThist

23. Two very different reactions to snow

This picture captured two hilarious reactions to the first snowfall of the year. The little girl looks like she’s ready to build snowmen and have some snowball fights. On the other hand, this dog looks likes its thinking about those cold bathroom breaks.

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Reddit Source: Reddit

24. Watching over her on the road

This little girl is buckled safely into her car seat, but she has an extra layer of security. With her loyal dog at her side, she’s safe and sound!

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Bored Panda Source: Bored Panda

25. Horses love their kids, too

Who said that big animals can’t have a relationship with kids? This horse is a lot bigger than this little girl, but she knows to be extra gentle so they can play together safely.

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Bored Panda/Karin Buchert Source: Bored Panda/Karin Buchert

26. I dare anyone to come near

This baby might be tiny, but he or she has nothing to worry about. Not only is this dog happy to serve as a comfy bed but also stave off anyone who might bother them.

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Imgur/Arshem Source: Imgur/Arshem

27. What do you make of this snow business?

This is probably the first time this baby has seen snow, and there’s no telling what the cat thinks of it. Some cats love the snow and some of them really, REALLY don’t.

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Imgur/wackles Source: Imgur/wackles

28. Two babies – one cat and one human

Apparently, this kitten decided it was going to be the baby’s hat. These two are probably about the same age, which makes them perfect playmates for one another!

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Catsparella Source: Catsparella

29. Kitty kisses tickle

This baby is cracking up at his cat’s attempt to give some kisses, and it’s no wonder! Those whiskers and that soft nose tickle.

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Bored Panda Source: Bored Panda

30. A quick kiss between best friends

This sweet boy stopped in the middle of playing to give his best friend a kiss and a snuggle. If you have kids, you know how hard it is for them to take a break from doing what they enjoy, proving this must be love!

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Reddit/whiskeylogic Source: Reddit/whiskeylogic

31. Even big kids love their dog cuddles

From their earliest days, babies love cats, dogs, and other animals. They automatically light up when they see them and fortunately, that doesn’t change as they get older. While kids might feel they’re too old to snuggle Mom and Dad, they never outgrow snuggling up to their pets.

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Bored Panda Source: Bored Panda

32. The nap can strike at any time

Cats are known for their ability to stop, drop, and nap at any time. Babies, on the other hand, usually fight naptime so they can keep playing. This picture begs the question: who napped first, the baby or the cat?

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Bored Panda Source: Bored Panda

33. And it’s naptime

Have you ever been so tired that you’ve dropped right where you were and went to sleep? To be fair, this little one had a pretty comfy “bed” to lay on.

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Bored Panda/Steven Steenberg Source: Bored Panda/Steven Steenberg

34. Who’s walking whom?

There’s quite the size difference between this boy and his big German Shepherd! The dog might be the one on the leash, but you have to ask which one is leading and which is following.

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Instagram/carterandtoby Source: Instagram/carterandtoby

35. They’re so snuggly

This little boy is in his pajamas and ready for bed, but he looks pretty comfortable right where he is! I would be too if I had a soft, warm, furry dog to sleep on.

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Reddit/tyzer24 Source: Reddit/tyzer24

36. We’re ready to play

What could be better? These dogs have each other, their little girl, and a big yard to play in. No wonder they’re ready and raring to go!

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Bored Panda/Mirco Dalla Lana Source: Bored Panda/Mirco Dalla Lana

37. A gentle head butt means hello

There are a lot of reasons that cats rub their heads and faces on things. Usually, it’s about marking things with their scent as a way of claiming their territory. But when they do it to people, like this sweet baby, it’s a loving way to say “Hello, you’re mine!”

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Bored Panda/Fani Kosturska Source: Bored Panda/Fani Kosturska

38. I see your kid + dog and raise you a kid + donkey

We look at adorable photos of kids with cats and dogs all day, and I won’t ever complain! But kids get along with all kinds of pets. Just check out this little boy who’s playing with his friend, a donkey!

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Bored Panda/Daphne Joosen Source: Bored Panda/Daphne Joosen

39. Having tons of fun together

If you had a pet as a kid, you probably have a lot of memories of the games you played together! You can play fetch, race, play with toys, or even take a trip to the park to go on the swings!

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Instagram/harpandlola_thebulldog Source: Instagram/harpandlola_thebulldog

40. I’m here to snuggle and kiss the baby

Some animals take a while to warm up to the new baby, but this cat clearly welcomed this new little human as part of the family. Maybe with that hair, he thinks he’s another kitten!

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Imgur/losingmymojo Source: Imgur/losingmymojo

41. Little girl + baby ducks = I’m dead

Pictures of kids with puppies and kittens will never stop being adorable, but just check out this photo of a little girl with a flock of ducklings. Have you ever seen anything so cute in all your life?

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