Pets have traditionally been seen as companions that bring comfort and enjoyment. However, increasing scientific research suggests that they also play an important role in supporting mental and physical health.

Groups such as the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) are exploring the connection between humans and animals, with research suggesting that pets play a more significant role in well-being than previously acknowledged, particularly in relation to mental health.

More than one in five pet owners in the United States report that a doctor or therapist has recommended spending time with a pet. Pets are also becoming more welcome in workplaces, schools, and housing settings.

One of the most significant benefits of pets is their ability to reduce loneliness. Many people turn to their pets for comfort when they’re feeling isolated, and research consistently links pet companionship with lower levels of social isolation. When HABRI and Mars Petcare surveyed pet owners about how they cope with loneliness, 80% said they turn to their pets for comfort. 

Pets also help us connect with others. Over half of the surveyed pet owners said their pets helped them build connections within their community. Dogs, in particular, are natural “social icebreakers,” often leading to conversations with neighbours or other dog owners. However, this isn’t limited to dogs: 27% of people with other types of pets, including cats, birds, and small animals, reported meeting neighbours through their pets. These small interactions can add up, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and community.

Beyond social connection, pets play an important role in supporting emotional resilience. Research shows that companion animals can reduce feelings of loneliness, encourage mindfulness, and help people cope during difficult times. Simply being present with a pet can bring us into the moment, whether it’s paying attention to a cat’s subtle body language or focusing on a dog’s excitement during a walk. These moments naturally encourage mindfulness, helping us slow down and become more aware of our surroundings.

The benefits extend into schools as well. Studies have found that having pets in classrooms can significantly improve children’s social skills and reading competence, while also decreasing hyperactivity. Parents have also reported that children become more empathetic and caring at home after interacting with animals. These findings suggest that pets don’t just support individual well-being, but can also positively shape social and emotional development.

From a biological perspective, the human–animal bond has powerful effects on the brain and body. Positive interactions with pets trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, and prolactin. These hormones are all associated with bonding, happiness, and nurturing behaviours. At the same time, levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, decrease. These chemical changes help explain why spending time with a pet can feel so calming and grounding.

Physical health benefits are also well-documented. Research from the University of Maryland has shown that pets can improve heart health by reducing stress and blood pressure. In fact, people who had pets were found to have better recovery outcomes after heart attacks than those without pets. Regular routines, such as maintaining daily care schedules, also support healthier lifestyles and reduce stress over time.

Pets can be especially beneficial for people living with long-term mental health challenges. Research has found that pets provide ongoing emotional and social support, helping people develop a sense of stability, routine, and security during difficult periods. For those who live alone or have limited mobility, pets can be a consistent and reliable source of companionship, easing feelings of depression and anxiety.

Scientific studies back this up. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pet owners often experience lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, and increased serotonin and dopamine (chemicals associated with happiness and emotional well-being). A broader review of studies published in BMC Psychiatry found that pet ownership was consistently linked to improved emotional health, particularly through reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Caring for an animal can also bring structure and routine to daily life. Activities such as feeding, grooming, and spending time with a pet can provide a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can be particularly helpful during periods of emotional uncertainty. Even small interactions, like going for a walk or sitting quietly with a pet, can positively influence mood.

Ultimately, the growing body of research makes one thing clear: pets are far more than companions. They support our mental health, strengthen our social connections, and contribute to our physical well-being in ways that are both subtle and profound. As science continues to explore the human–animal bond, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the relationship we share with our pets is life-enhancing.

References: 

1. PetMD. How pets impact our mental health [Internet]. PetMD; 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 31]. Available from: https://www.petmd.com/general-health/how-pets-impact-our-mental-health PetMD

2. Animal Welfare League (AWL). Pets and mental health [Internet]. AWL; [year unknown, cited 2025 Dec 31]. Available from: https://awl.org.au/blog/pets-and-mental-health AWL | Animal Welfare League

3. Flourish Australia. Why pets are good for mental health [Internet]. Flourish Australia; 2024 Jun 15 [cited 2025 Dec 31]. Available from: https://www.flourishaustralia.org.au/news/why-pets-are-good-mental-health Flourish Australia

4. MentalHealthCtr.com. The impact of pets on mental health [Internet]. Mental Health Center; [year unknown, cited 2025 Dec 31]. Available from: https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/the-impact-of-pets-on-mental-health/ Mental Health Center