Pets and mental health: do pets really boost your wellbeing?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Did you know there's a connection between pets and mental health? Learn how animals can help relieve stress and anxiety and improve your mental wellbeing.
Pets can play a significant role in our mental health by bringing us joy, reducing stress, and offering unwavering companionship. They can provide a unique kind of support and love that can uplift us in everyday life, as well as provide comfort in difficult situations.
Why are animals important for our mental health?
Owning a pet is a big responsibility. They need your time, care, and financial support throughout their lives. But the rewards of having a pet can be incredible for your wellbeing.
Animals can hold a special place in our lives, especially when it comes to our mental health. They can give us so much more than we sometimes realize, as caring for a pet can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The responsibility and routines lead to a more structured day, which can be particularly helpful for people dealing with mental health issues.
Pets also offer unconditional love, which can be a significant boost to our self-esteem and wellbeing. They become our companions, listeners, and silent supporters, often helping us to cope through difficult times.
How do pets help their owners’ mental health?
Pets can offer a variety of benefits for mental health. They can contribute to our emotional and psychological wellbeing, making them valuable companions in our lives.
1. Creating a sense of purpose
Taking care of a pet can provide a sense of responsibility and purpose. Whether it's feeding them, taking them for walks, or just ensuring they're happy and healthy, these tasks give us a reason to get up in the morning. This sense of purpose is especially beneficial for our mental health, providing a feeling of being needed and valuable.
💙 Explore how embracing the act of Commitment to a new pet (and even yourself) can open the door to a world of possibilities.
2. Providing companionship
For anyone living alone or far from family and friends, pets can help protect against loneliness. They can provide companionship and can sense and respond to our emotions in a way that makes us feel understood and less alone.
3. Offering unconditional love and support
Pets offer unconditional love. They don't judge or hold grudges, and they're always there for us. This kind of support is invaluable, especially during tough times. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can release feel-good hormones, helping reduce stress and calm the mind.
4. Increasing physical activity
Many pets, especially dogs, require regular exercise. This means more walks and outdoor time for their owners. Physical activity is known to be a great mood booster, and it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, being outdoors and in nature can further enhance mental wellbeing.
💙 Walk Away Stress with your furry friend and embrace the mental, physical, and emotional impacts of daily movement.
5. Boosting self-esteem
Caring for a pet can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Successfully meeting a pet's needs can give you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, unconditional love from a pet can make you feel valued and accepted, another boost to your self-esteem.
💙 Explore the feelings of Worthiness that caring for others can help you build.
6. Helping you meet new people
Pets can be great social catalysts. They provide common ground to connect with other pet owners, whether it's at a dog park, a pet-friendly café, or just in your neighborhood. For anyone who struggles with social anxiety or shyness, pets can be a great way to break the ice and encourage more social interaction.
7. Establishing daily structure
Pets require a consistent routine of feeding, exercise, and care. This routine can bring structure to your day, which can be particularly comforting if you're dealing with mental health challenges. A regular schedule can provide purpose and normalcy.
8. Establishing routine and stability
Caring for a pet requires a routine. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions can help bring structure and stability to our lives and your pet’s life. This is particularly helpful for mental health, as a consistent routine can provide a sense of control and normalcy.
💙 Build Habits that Actually Stick with the help of clinical psychologist and educator Dr. Julie Smith.
9. Alleviating stress and anxiety
Interacting with pets may have immediate stress-reducing effects. Petting a dog or cat can lead to lower levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and possibly increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with happiness and connectivity, thereby helping to relieve some of the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
💙 Pump the Brakes on Stress in this 2-minute meditation. Bonus: Listen to it while snuggled up to your new companion.
How to mindfully choose the right animal companion
Choosing the right pet is a decision that requires careful consideration. It's not just about what kind of animal you find adorable or fun, but also about which pet fits best with your lifestyle, capabilities, and even your personality. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can make a mindful and informed decision about the right pet for you—one that you can care for properly, while also enriching your life and improving your mental wellbeing.
1. Consider your living space
The type of pet you choose should be suitable for your living environment. For instance, larger dogs typically need more space and an area to run around, making them better suited for houses with yards. Smaller pets, like hamsters, birds, cats, or small dog breeds, might be more comfortable in apartments.
2. Assess your time commitment
Different pets require different amounts of time and attention. Dogs, for example, need regular exercise, as many dogs these days are inside-only-dogs using litter boxes and pee pee pads. They also need playtime and training. Cats are generally more independent but still require interaction and care. Even pets like snakes, guinea pigs, and bunnies need considerable time, attention, and care. Really ask yourself how much time you realistically have to devote to a pet.
3. Evaluate your activity level
Choose a pet that matches your lifestyle and energy level. If you enjoy outdoor activities and are quite active, an energetic dog breed might be a good fit, particularly for older individuals looking to increase their activity or stay active as they age. If you prefer a more low-key lifestyle, a cat, an older dog, or a smaller pet might be more suitable to your lifestyle (and theirs) but future pet-owner beware: do your research on the breeds of dog or cat you're thinking of, as quite a few breeds go against these norms.
4. Consider long-term commitments
Owning a pet is a long-term commitment—dogs, cats, birds, and other pets like tortoises, can live for many years. Think about your future plans and whether a pet can fit into them.
5. Financial responsibility
Pets come with financial responsibilities, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and other supplies. You should also plan for potential veterinary emergencies, as they do happen. Research the costs and ensure you’re financially prepared to take care of all your pet’s needs.
6. Allergy considerations
If you or a family member has allergies, this could limit your pet options. Certain breeds of cats and dogs are better for people with allergies. If you’re allergic to both cats and dogs, consider other pet alternatives like birds, ferrets, bearded dragons, and even tropical fish.
7. Research pet temperaments
Different types of animals and their breeds have varying temperaments and needs. Researching and understanding these can help you choose a pet that fits well with your personality and lifestyle.
8. Consider rescuing or adopting a pet
Many animals in shelters are looking for loving homes and can make wonderful companions, particularly animals with black fur or older animals who are often overlooked. Plus, adopting can be a more affordable option, and animals from shelters are always looking for their forever home.
Pets and mental health FAQs
How do pets affect mental health?
Pets can have a profound impact on mental health. They can provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help combat isolation. The presence of a pet can lower stress and anxiety levels, thanks to the calming effect of petting and caring for them. Pets can also encourage physical activity—especially in the case of dog owners, as walking their pets is known to improve mood and overall mental health.
Additionally, the routine and responsibility of caring for a pet can bring structure and a sense of purpose to daily life, which is especially beneficial for people coping with mental health issues. The emotional bond formed with pets can possibly lead to increased feelings of happiness and decreased feelings of depression.
Are pets good for people with depression?
Pets can be incredibly beneficial for people with depression. They offer unconditional love and acceptance, providing comfort and a sense of security. The companionship of a pet can relieve feelings of loneliness, which is often a factor in depression.
Engaging in pet care activities can also help create a routine, giving structure to daily life, which can be helpful for someone struggling with depression. Moreover, the physical activity involved in pet care, like walking or playing, can help elevate mood.
Why is losing a pet so hard?
Losing a pet can be an extremely difficult experience because pets become beloved members of our families. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and comfort. The bond you share with your pet is unique and profound, so it’s natural to feel their loss deeply.
Grieving a pet is like grieving any significant loss. The grieving process can bring a range of emotions, including sadness, loneliness, and sometimes even guilt or anxiety. Be gentle with yourself as you learn to live without your pet, and seek professional support if needed.
Can humans have separation anxiety from pets?
Humans can experience separation anxiety from their pets, particularly when there’s a strong emotional bond between the pet and the owner. People who spend a lot of time with their pets and rely on them for emotional support may feel anxious or stressed when separated from them. Symptoms of separation anxiety in humans can include excessive worry about the pet's wellbeing when apart, reluctance to leave the pet alone, and distress when separated.
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