How pet adoption transforms the lives of you and your pet

Sep 30

Pet adoption can be more than a kind act. Your relationship with a pet can boost emotional wellbeing, create connection, and improve daily life for both you and your pet.

There’s something special about meeting your future pet for the first time. Maybe they do something small that gets your attention—a head tilt, a tail wag, a purr or a hopeful glance—and something inside you shifts. Or maybe you can’t pinpoint it exactly, but suddenly you have a feeling you can’t explain.

And while you go into pet adoption wanting to help an animal find a loving home, you may be surprised by how much you could receive in return: the warmth of a faithful friend by your side, a supportive sense of structure throughout your day, and an implicit invitation to prioritize yourself, whether it’s going for a morning walk, stopping your doomscroll, or taking more time to rest.

Pet adoption has the potential to change two lives at once. It could begin a powerful bond, built on mutual care, trust, and joy. As you meet their needs—nutrition, exercise, healthcare, affection, socialization—they may also meet yours in ways you might not expect, from easing loneliness to helping you feel calmer and more present.

For adoption resources, transformational stories, and more, check out Kinship’s hub on pets and wellbeing.

5 emotional and mental health benefits of your relationship with a pet

When you adopt a pet, you’re not just gaining a companion. You’re potentially welcoming a steady source of comfort—and an inspiring impetus for self-care—that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you feel day to day.

In fact, in a recent survey of more than 30,000 pet owners by Mars and Calm, 83% of people said their pet has had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Some of the emotional and mental health benefits of adopting a pet include:

1. Lower stress levels: Research on human-animal interactions shows that spending time with pets can help you regulate your nervous system. Petting a dog or cat can reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, and prompt the release of oxytocin, the hormone linked to trust, bonding, and feelings of safety. Even short moments of connection can act as resets for your mind and body — and, of course, they can also work to strengthen the bond you have with your pet.

2. A built-in daily rhythm: Caring for a pet naturally gives your life more structure, and possibly better balance. No matter what else is going on, you’ll always need to feed, walk, and/or engage with them throughout the day. This can make it easier for you to slow down, take a break from busyness, and practice self-care — perhaps in the form of a few extra steps or a calming cuddle on the couch.

3. A sense of purpose: Not only does your pet depend on you, but you also bring them tremendous joy. Knowing that your actions directly affect their wellbeing can be deeply motivating, especially on tough days.

4. A strong feeling of connection: Pets offer unconditional companionship, softening feelings of loneliness and isolation. For many, pets open doors to human connection too. For example, a dog walk can lead to friendly chats with neighbors, while a cat’s antics might make the whole family laugh.

5. Mutual joy: Your happiness can often uplift your pet’s spirits, and their happiness can often uplift yours. Many pets have a unique ability to make you smile and feel better without any of the pressure that can come with human interactions.

How adoption can benefit your new pet

For a shelter pet, adoption can feel like stepping into a new world. Many have faced uncertainty, loss, or neglect, and likely endured the stress of unfamiliar surroundings or limited human contact.

When you bring them home, you’re offering more than food and shelter. You’re giving them stability, safety, and the chance to build a special bond. Hopefully, over time, you’ll start to see their personalities emerge — the joyful tail wags may grow bigger, the purrs might come easier, and their eyes could seem brighter.

The emotional security of a loving home—coupled with the resources that enable pets to thrive—encourages them to explore, play, and rest freely, allowing them to form a positive relationship with the person who makes them feel safe.

Every adopted pet carries a story, and while you may never know all of it, you have the ability to shape their next chapter. The shift from wary or withdrawn to playful and affectionate can be profound and deeply moving.

How to adopt a pet: 11 tips for starting your adoption journey

Adopting a pet is a big, exciting decision — but it’s also a lifelong commitment. The more you prepare, the smoother the transition is likely to be, for both you and your future companion. Here’s everything you need to know about the adoption process, so you can make sure that you and your new pet are the right match.

1. Ask yourself how ready you are

Before you adopt a pet, ask yourself some grounding questions:

Do you have time each day to properly care for a pet?
Can you commit financially to food, veterinary care, boarding, and unexpected expenses?
Are you prepared for the less glamorous parts — cleaning up messes, dealing with chewed shoes, or giving medication?
Do you have adequate knowledge of pet care and everything required for a pet to live a happy, healthy life?

Most pets thrive on routine and stability. If you’re anticipating big life changes—a house move, a demanding work project, or caring for a new baby—you may want to time your adoption for when you can give your new pet the right level of attention.

2. Research the type of pet that fits your life

Different pets, and even different breeds or mixes, can have very different needs. Having a better idea of the specific needs, and the specific character, of your adopted pet can help you both find the right fit.

Energy: More active dog breeds require greater physical exercise than more sedentary dogs — and that can change as they get older.
Space & Exploration: Some pets like to explore the world and thrive in novel surroundings, while others may prefer quiet and predictable settings.
Temperament & Personality: Consider whether you’d do best with an active, playful pet or a calmer, more independent one.

If you’re unsure, speak with shelter staff to learn as much as possible about the needs of a prospective pet. They often know each animal’s quirks and can suggest pets that may be suited to you and your home environment.

💙 Each pet’s needs are unique, but all animals need love, attention, and the right care. And so do you. In our new meditation, Care for Your Pet, Care for Yourself, Mel Mah explores how spending time with your pet allows you to look after yourself.

3. Visit shelters — in person if possible

It’s valuable to look at online profiles, but in-person visits are the best way to observe an animal’s behavior toward you and their surroundings. Spend time with different pets in a quiet room or yard if you can. Look for signs of connection: Do they try to get your attention? Do they seem curious and comfortable around you?

Many rescues also offer “meet and greets” or short trial visits so you can see how a pet behaves in a home setting.

4. Ask detailed questions

Shelter or rescue staff are your best resource for honest information about your potential pet. Some useful questions include:

What do you know about the pet’s history?
How do they behave in new places? How do they behave with children, other animals, or strangers?
Have they been house-trained or leash-trained?
Do they have any ongoing medical needs or dietary restrictions?
How do they respond to being alone?

Learning as much as you can ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother transition.

💙 Award-nominated actor Shailene Woodley understands firsthand how adopting a pet can positively transform your life. In her new Sleep Story, Finding Four-Legged Friends (available in the Mars collection on Calm), she shares her own experience of welcoming rescue pets in her life and recounts two heartwarming tales about animal companions who changed their communities.

5. Prepare your home before they arrive

You’ve probably heard of baby-proofing (when someone makes sure their house is safe for a baby), but “pet-proofing” your house is important too. Before bringing your pet home, you might want to:

Remove or secure items that could be dangerous, such as cables, wires, toxic plants, ornaments, or cleaning products
Create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat, especially during the first few days
Stock up on essentials: food, bowls, a bed, a litter box (for cats), leash/harness, pet-friendly toys, and anything recommended by the shelter staff.

Having everything ready means less stress for both of you on day one.

6. Consider fostering first

If you’re uncertain about adopting a pet, fostering one can be a nice way to test the waters. You’ll learn about an animal’s needs and personality while providing them a loving environment — and sometimes, foster homes turn into forever homes.

💙 Everyone’s pet journey is different. Check out three Moments of Calm highlighting the relationships Calm users have with their pets.

7. Ease into the adjustment period

The first days and weeks are about building trust. Your pet may be shy, energetic, or unsure in the beginning. Keep routines simple and predictable:

Feed and walk them at the same times each day.
Limit the number of new people or places they encounter initially.
Use calm, gentle tones and avoid overwhelming them with too much attention too soon.

Remember the “3–3–3” guideline many adoption experts use:

3 days to decompress
3 weeks to start learning your routines
3 months to feel truly at home

💙 Give your pet time to feel more at home — and take some cues from them too. In Rest Like Your Pet, Mel Mah explains how her cat, Stanley, inspires her to take a few deep breaths to feel calmer.

8. Invest in training and socialization

Basic training isn’t just about obedience — it’s about communication, connection, and confidence.

For dogs, consider training based on positive reinforcement to help with leash manners, recall, and basic cues.
For cats, gentle handling and interactive play can build trust and prevent behavioral issues.

Training builds understanding, while helping your pet feel more secure in their new world.

9. Keep up with veterinary care

Bring your pet to a vet soon after your adoption. Not only will you get a baseline of their health, but you can also be sure that their vaccinations are up to date. Ask about:

Spaying or neutering
Microchipping
Parasite prevention
Dental health and bodyweight
Recommended nutrition and care.

Regular check-ups will help you catch any issues early and keep your pet feeling their best.

10. Build your support network

Adopting a pet can be easier when you have support. Ask friends, family, or neighbors to help you with walks, feeding, or pet-sitting when you need a hand, and consider joining local pet owner groups. They’re full of people who can give you advice, recommendations, and a sense of community.

11. Be patient — with them and yourself

Pet adoption comes with a learning curve. Celebrate small wins: the first time they respond to their name, them curling up by your side, a night with no accidents, a joyfully wagging tail at the door. Progress may be gradual, but the bond you’re building will be worth every step.

💙 Explore our full collection of pet-inspired moments of relaxation to help you relax.

Pet adoption FAQs

How does pet adoption help with mental health?

Adopting a pet can be a great start to your pet ownership journey — and that relationship can provide you with daily companionship, emotional comfort, and a sense of purpose. In fact, spending time with an animal has been shown to lower stress hormones, increase feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Caring for a pet also encourages healthier routines, including regular walks and breaks for play. Essentially, they give you permission to prioritize your own self-care — permission you can’t ignore.

Why should you adopt a pet rather than buy one?

Adoption gives animals who have experienced hardships—like neglect, abandonment, or loss—a second chance at life. Many adopted pets already have basic training, are spayed or neutered, and have been health-checked, making the transition easier.

What’s more, pet adoption has the potential to change two lives at once. It can provide a pet with a secure and loving home, while also potentially enriching your wellbeing through companionship, structure, and positive emotional support.

What should I know before adopting a pet?

Before adopting, it’s important to understand the commitment you’re making. Pets require daily care, time, and attention for their entire lives, which could be 10–20 years depending on the species and breed. There will also be costs involved, including food, veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and unexpected health needs. Be realistic about your lifestyle, work schedule, and energy levels, and choose a pet whose needs align with your capacity. Finally, preparing your home and your routine in advance will make the transition much smoother.

Are rescue pets harder to care for?

Some rescue pets may come with extra needs, while others adapt quickly and integrate seamlessly into family life. The key is to approach adoption with an open mind and see each pet as an individual, rather than making assumptions based on their background. With consistency, kindness, the right care, and time, most rescue animals form deep, lasting bonds with their adopters and become loving, loyal companions.

Should I adopt a dog?

Dogs can make wonderful companions, but they do require significant time and attention. Think about whether your lifestyle can accommodate daily walks, training sessions, and social interaction. Different breeds and sizes have their own needs; a high-energy working breed will need far more exercise and stimulation than a small, laid-back lap dog. If you’re active and enjoy the outdoors, a dog may be a great match. If you have a more sedentary lifestyle or limited space, you might consider an older or lower-energy dog who will be happy with shorter walks and more couch time. It’s also worth considering whether your lifestyle—and what you can offer—may actually be a better fit for a cat.

How do I know if I’m ready to adopt a pet?

Readiness isn’t just about wanting a pet — it’s about being able to provide a stable, loving home for years to come. Ask yourself whether you have the time, resources, and emotional space to meet a pet’s needs every day, even when life gets busy or challenging. It can also help to consider what support systems you have, such as friends, family, or pet sitters who can help when you’re away. If you can picture yourself adapting your life around a pet’s care, you may be ready to take the next step.

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.

Calm Editorial Team