Animals have long played an important role in human lives, not just as companions but also as contributors to emotional well-being. Whether it’s the loyal presence of a dog, the calming effect of a purring cat, or the simple joy of watching fish swim, the bond between humans and animals can have a positive impact on one’s mental health. Having an animal provides mental health benefits including stress and anxiety reduction, improved mood, decreased feelings of loneliness, enhanced social connections, and a greater sense of purpose and routine. Interacting with animals boosts beneficial hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, while their companionship offers unconditional love and can motivate owners to become more active. Scientific research increasingly supports the idea that animals positively influence mental health in a variety of ways. Several of these findings and effects are discussed below.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
One of the most well-documented benefits of animal companionship is its ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. Interacting with a pet triggers the release of oxytocin and serotonin, which promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. The simple act of petting or being near an animal can have a calming effect, lowering stress levels and easing agitation.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that petting dogs led to significant reductions in cortisol and increased feelings of calmness in both children and adults. Similarly, another study showed that brief interactions with dogs can reduce self-reported anxiety in college students.
Combatting Loneliness and Isolation
Companionship is a fundamental human need. Pets can provide meaningful social support and combat feelings of loneliness, especially for those living alone or in isolated environments. This is particularly beneficial for the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals with mental health conditions such as depression. Pets provide consistent companionship and unconditional love, offering comfort and reducing feelings of isolation.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) highlights research showing that 85% of pet owners report feeling less lonely, and 76% say their pets help them cope with everyday stress. In addition, 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely, and 54% say their pet helps them connect with other people. Lastly, HABRI and Mars Petcare developed a document titled “Addressing The Social Isolation & Loneliness Epidemic with The Power of Companion Animals.” It is full of information about the loneliness epidemic in our society and how to combat it with animal companionship. It is a very interesting read.
Encouraging Routine and Physical Activity
Pet ownership often requires a daily routine, which can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with depression or other mood disorders. Feeding, grooming, and walking a pet provides structure to the day and can encourage physical activity, which itself is known to boost mental health. Dogs, in particular, encourage owners to get outside and exercise, which is known to improve mood and overall mental health. I know that if I did not have a very active dog I likely would not be outdoors and walking as much! Caring for a pet also provides a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can act as social catalysts, making it easier to meet new people and form community bonds, whether at a park, on a walk, or a pet-friendly event.
In addition, dog owners are more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels than non-owners, according to a study published in BMC Public Health. Physical exercise, in turn, is closely linked to improved mood, better sleep, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Therapeutic Use of Animals
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is an increasingly recognized therapeutic approach in mental health care. It involves guided interactions between individuals and trained animals to help treat psychological conditions. AAT has shown promising results in treating PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, and even severe depression.
In a meta-analysis study researchers found that AAT had a moderate effect on reducing depression and anxiety across a variety of populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illness. This study, in particular, found that therapy dogs can reduce child-reported anxiety and parental perception of child anxiety in the pediatric emergency department.
Building Empathy and Emotional Regulation
Interacting with animals can help individuals, especially children, develop empathy and emotional regulation. Caring for a pet encourages nurturing behavior and can teach valuable lessons about responsibility, compassion, and non-verbal communication. Pets add joy and provide an unwavering, non-judgmental source of affection.
A study published in Applied Developmental Science found that children who had strong bonds with their pets showed greater empathy and prosocial behavior than those who did not. Another study found that owning pets may provide children with opportunities to control their emotions, and lead to a lower prevalence of poor emotional expression, and that pet ownership in toddlerhood may contribute to the development of expression.
Conclusion
The human-animal bond is more than just companionship; it’s a profound connection that can contribute significantly to mental well-being. Whether as family pets, therapy animals, or emotional support companions, animals offer emotional support, reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and help structure daily life. While pet ownership is not a cure-all, and not suitable for everyone, it can be a powerful component of a holistic approach to mental health. If pet ownership is not an option, you can consider volunteering at a local animal shelter to receive some of these benefits. The combination of reduced stress, increased activity, and companionship can lead to a significant improvement in mood. To read more about the mental health benefits of pet ownership visit the Pet Effect webpage.
