Pets and mental health.
He’s our companion, colleague, friend, and family member.
Despite ignoring most commands and eating what he shouldn’t, he is deeply loved and the ideal listener.
While often boisterous, when approached by a child or someone elderly or less able, he yields and becomes passive. They give him a rub or a hug, and he gives them acceptance and love without judgment.
And it’s no surprise. The emotional bond between a pet and a human can be as intense as with another person and brings similar psychological benefits.
This Article Contains:
15 Benefits of Pets for Mental Health
The Psychology Behind Emotional Support Animals
Why Are Animals Good for Our Wellbeing? 5 Research Findings
A Look at 10 Animal Therapy Modalities
PositivePsychology.com’s Relevant Resources
A Take-Home Message
References
15 Benefits of Pets for Mental Health
Many research studies have confirmed the positive effects of keeping pets. Indeed, health professionals increasingly recognize their value in treating mental and physical conditions (McNicholas et al., 2005).
Pets offer companionship and so much more.
Many people experiencing mental health problems report that the combination of caring for animals and the unconditional love they receive back is life changing, improving their mental wellbeing and their quality of life (Robinson, 2020).
When we think of our ancestors’ behavior, such connections are to be expected.
Humans have been keeping pets and building working relationships with animals for well over 10,000 years (Barras, 2018; Page, 2020). It is no surprise then that many pets – dogs in particular – can understand words we use and recognize our tone of voice, gestures, and body language.
Having someone (nonhuman) that needs us and can gauge how we feel without expectation or judgment is hugely valuable.
Mental health charities have recognized the importance of pets and often promote pet ownership for its psychological and physical health benefits (Mental Health Foundation, 2018; Lundgren, Robinson, & Segal, 2020):
Owners of pets:
Are less likely to suffer depression
Have lower blood pressure during stressful situations
Display reduced levels of triglyceride and cholesterol (high levels can be indicators of heart disease)
Survive longer after having a heart attack
Make 30% fewer visits to the doctor after the age of 65
Live longer
More generally:
Playing with pets increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, promoting calm and relaxation.
Pets provide companionship and fulfill the basic human need for touch. Contact is particularly important for people who are lonely or who have not previously experienced mutual affection.
Prisoners have exhibited long-term behavioral changes after interacting with pets.
Pets improve the quantity and quality of socialization, providing conversation points when meeting people out walking.
Pets require regular feeding, exercise, and attention and can bring structure to the day.
Hugging and stroking an animal provides almost immediate relief from stress and anxiety.
Dogs in particular encourage healthy outdoor exercise that improves physical and mental wellbeing.
Older adults (including those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) can find more meaning and joy in life, stay more connected, and boost their vitality through pet ownership.
Children learn more compassion, empathy, and responsibility, strengthening their emotional intelligence, through having pets. Such interaction can be beneficial for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism.
While we associate many of the benefits with dogs and cats, other animals have also been shown to improve their owners’ wellbeing, including fish, rabbits, birds, snakes, and lizards.
Whether the direct effect is psychological or physiological, indirectly, it all contributes to mental wellbeing.
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