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The 4 Most Popular Pets In Brazil

Pets play an invaluable role in our lives. Whether as companions or members of family, it is hard to imagine a life without your four-legged friend by your side. Pet ownership in Brazil is no exception either, as pets actually outnumber children!

Brazil has the third highest percentage of pet ownership in the whole world, with 76% of households having at least one pet. Here are the most popular pets you will encounter when visiting Brazil.

Dogs

Dogs are the most popular type of pet in Brazil. One study found that in 2013, there were around 52 million dogs in the country, and over 44% of households owned at least one dog. That same study also found that owning a dog provides:

  • Comfort
  • Friendship
  • Stress relief

In the month following adoption, new pet owners also report fewer minor health issues, such as painful joints and headaches.

Brazilians aren’t adopting just any type of dog, though. Per capita, Brazil boasts the highest number of small dogs.

Cats

Nearly 18% of Brazilian households own at least one cat. As of 2013, there were approximately 22 million cats in the country.

Cats offer many of the same comforts as dogs, and cat owners report experiencing the same decrease in health issues after adoption as dog owners. There are many scientifically proven benefits of owning a cat too, including better heart health.

Fish

Brazil ranks third when it comes to fish ownership, with around 26.5 million pet fish. While these pets might not be able to curl up on the couch with their owners, they are still a popular choice -- and for very good reasons. Owning fish has been shown to:

  • Improve sleep quality
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve heart rate
  • Reduce stress and anxiety

Owning pet fish is also associated with higher feelings of self-worth. When a pet owner takes on the responsibility of caring for a living being, it creates a sense of being both appreciated and needed.

Birds

Brazil has the highest number of pet birds in the world. With approximately 191 million pet birds, it is far ahead of Italy, which has the second highest number of pet birds at only 13 million. Species of birds kept as pets vary widely, as Brazil is home to more than 1,840 known bird species. When you visit Brazil, you might be able to see some of the following pet birds:

  • Passerines
  • Song birds
  • Parrots

Pets play an integral role in both Brazil’s society and that of the rest of the world. Companionship with four-legged—or no-legged—friends help improve people’s daily lives, physical health and emotional well-being. If you are ever in Brazil, be sure to keep an eye out for how many pets you can spot!