SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Having a dog could be your heart's best friend, according to a Syracuse hospital.

St. Joseph's Health is encouraging everyone to consider adding a dog to their lives to support better heart health. The hospital will pay for adoption fees for all dogs at the CNYSPCA and HumaneCNY during the month of February.

National studies by the American Heart Association and Scientific Reports show that dogs provide heart health benefits, according to the hospital.

According to the studies, some of those benefits include:

Lower blood pressure

Reduced cholesterol

Decreased triglyceride levels

Lower risk of cardiovascular disease and "all-cause mortality"

As much as 33 percent lower risk of death and 11 percent lower chances of a heart attack

Higher survival rate following a heart attack

Higher level of physical activity

Lower body weight

Lower levels of stress

Improved socialization and emotional wellbeing

Stronger immune systems and longer lifespan

But what about cats?

"We recognize that dog ownership isn't possible for everyone," Matthew O'Hern, an invasive cardiologist at St. Joseph's Health, said in a news release. "So, we have extended our sponsorship to cover adoption fees for some smaller animals, such as cats, which have also been shown to help people recover faster from illness, get sick less often, have fewer allergies, lower blood pressure, and many other health benefits. We have the best technology in the country at our facilities, but sometimes a little TLC can make a big difference in disease prevention and recovery."

Some cat adoption fees will also be covered by St. Joseph's during February, a spokesperson said.

CNYSPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road in East Syracuse. HumaneCNY is located at 4915 1/2 W. Taft Road in Liverpool. Visit the CNYSPCA's website and the HumaneCNY's website for more information.