6 Mental Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
Owning a pet involves plenty of cuddles, but these furry creatures also bring about something far deeper. Companionship. Emotional support. Even mental health perks. What's more, there's plenty of actual research to back up the mental health benefits of pet ownership.
Chances are you know exactly what we're talking about if you already own a pet. But if you don't, stick around as we dig into how pets—be they furry, feathered, or scaled—are helping people regulate emotions.
Pet ownership statistics
Did you know that approximately 66% of U.S. households have a pet?
The situation is similar globally, too, with pet ownership growing all over.
Why?
Because people are catching on to how much having a pet really adds to their lives.
Research backs this up, too. Pet owners often say they feel less stressed and generally happier. In fact, a 2021 survey found that 74% of people noticed their mental health improved after bringing a pet home.
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The greatest mental health benefits of pet ownership
So, what exactly are these mental health benefits of pet ownership we keep talking about?
1 Pets reduce stress and anxiety
No matter how hard you try to avoid stress, it catches up eventually. Pets can sense this. That’s why, when you feel overwhelmed, they often curl up next to you. And in those moments, it’s almost like everything suddenly feels okay.
This isn’t just in your imagination. Studies show that spending time with pets helps lower cortisol—the hormone behind stress. Plus, pets can also help ease the symptoms of severe anxiety. Simply petting them can:
Slow your heart rate,
Release tension,
And bring a sense of calm.
So, when stress hits hard, their presence might be exactly what you need.
2 Pets provide emotional support
Research has shown that having a pet can lower feelings of isolation, providing you with emotional support during difficult times. And this isn't just about avoiding loneliness. For people dealing with emotional strain, pets offer a way to reconnect with something outside their internal struggles. They give you something positive to focus on—a distraction that can help you navigate tough emotions.
What's remarkable is how pets can offer this support without understanding the "why." Their presence brings comfort in a way that's hard to replicate. And it’s this unspoken bond that many people find irreplaceable.
3 Pets encourage physical activity
If you’ve ever had a dog, you know the drill. Rain, snow, it doesn’t matter; they need that walk. And even when you’re dead tired, that wagging tail or those big, pleading eyes get you up.
Cats are no different. They might not need a walk, but they sure need to play, resulting in your getting off the couch sooner or later.
Here’s the best part, though: as you move around with your pet, you don't just help them stay healthy. You benefit, too. Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce anxiety and brighten your mood.
In a way, your pet becomes your personal trainer. Always ready to get you moving, even when you’d prefer to sit still. And honestly? Their excitement for playtime—it’s infectious.
4 Pets reduce loneliness
Pets aren’t just there for the cute moments (though those are our favorite!). They are also there to fill a gap, to offer constant companionship, day in and day out, which you especially need when lonely.
They won't be able to give you advice, but they'll sit beside you as you talk things through. Not to mention, there's comfort in knowing that you're never truly alone.
5 Pets provide a sense of purpose
Pets need you. They rely on you for everything—food, exercise, care. And that responsibility? It gives you something priceless: purpose. You can’t just ignore their needs. You have to show up every day. In doing so, you build structure in your life. Walking the dog every morning or feeding your cat at the same time each day—it’s a routine that keeps you grounded, even on the hardest days. That routine can be the literal difference between life and death for those struggling with depression.
6 Pets boost mood and happiness
Have you ever noticed how being around your pet can lift your mood almost instantly? It’s like they’ve got this magical ability. One wag of the tail. One playful purr. And suddenly, your bad day doesn’t feel quite so heavy anymore.
It’s not magic, though. There’s a real reason behind it. When you spend time with your pet, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine—those chemicals that boost your mood. And the more you interact with them, the more these moments add up, leaving a lasting impact on your emotional well-being.
Elizabeth Schane, LCMHC
Founder of Well Roots Counseling
Plus, pets are goofy, unpredictable, and always full of surprises. The funny things they do can break up the seriousness of life and remind you to enjoy the little moments.
Finishing words
At the end of the day, pets aren’t just animals living alongside us. They’re companions, emotional lifelines, and daily reminders of the simple joys that keep us going. They don’t ask for much but give back in ways that are almost impossible to measure.
The truth? There are many mental health benefits to pet ownership. Pets make our lives richer, more joyful, and filled with moments that remind us what really matters—connection, comfort, and the happiness found in the smallest, most unexpected moments. And that’s something no one should miss out on.
Sources:
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-pet-ownership-and-insurance
https://habri.org/pet-owners-survey/