There may be something to what you say, Ebbie, since pets are easier to care for, don't argue, reward you with purrs or waggy tails or sweet bird songs, but I also tend to think that people who have pets are by nature nurturing types. Non-pet owners can also have these attributes. It's just so immediately satisfying to have someone furry to care for.
I might mention that our home has two cats, a dog, a guinea pig, and will soon have two lambs, and we also give locally and to global peace and justice orgs to organizations that strive to make this world a better place. Oh, and I sing at local soup kitchens and nursing homes, and teach young kids. I try to extend my caring beyond my home. So I may not be able to change the world, but I'm doing my small part.

And who's to say the world isn't better off than it would be if no one had pets?