About ______ American homes have the habit of keeping pets. [br] [originaltext]

In America, there are more households with pets than those with children. At least 43% of the US homes have pets of some sort. Exotic creatures, such as monkeys, snakes and even wolves, find a home with some Americans. More common pets include tropical fish, mice and birds. But the all-time favorites are cats and dogs, even at the White House.
     Beneath the furry luxuries, there lies a basic American belief: pets have a right to be treated well. At least 75 animal welfare organizations exit in America. These provide care and adoption services for homeless and abused animals. Veterinarians can give animals an incredible price. To pay for the high-tech health care, people can buy health insurance for their pets. And when it’s time to say good-bye, owners can bury their pets in a respectable pet cemetery.
     The average Americans enjoy having pets around, and for good reasons. Researchers have discovered that interacting with animals lowers a person’s blood pressure. Dogs can offer protection from burglars and unwelcome visitors. Cats can help stimulate the owners’ softness. Little creatures of all shapes and sizes can provide companionship and love. In many cases, having a pet prepares a young couple for the responsibilities of parenthood. Pets even encourage social relationships: They give their owners an appearance of friendliness, and they provide a good topic of conversation.