Pets and Mental Wellness

Did you know nearly 70% Of U.S. households (84.6 Million) own a pet? Of those:

• 80% believe their pets bring them happiness and emotional support;
• 55% believe their pets reduce anxiety and depression; and
• 66% believe their pets relieve stress.

Research has shown that these beliefs are correct! As several studies have demonstrated that there are numerous health benefits to owning pets, such as reduced stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Moreover, studies have also shown that owning pets help us build healthy habits that are beneficial to our mental and physical health.

Early research on pets and mental health

The first research on pets and mental health was published 30 years ago. Psychologist Alan Beck of Purdue University and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher of the University of Pennsylvania conducted the study by measuring what happens to the body when a person pets a friendly dog. They found that the following health benefits:

• Blood pressure went down
• Heart rate slowed
• Breathing became more regular
• Muscle tension relaxed

These are all signs of reduced stress. Therefore, the researchers had discovered physical evidence of pets improving mental health.

Animals help people with mental and physical health conditions

Further research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) found that in people with cancer, animal-assisted interventions (i.e. therapy, education, activities) play a role in reducing anxiety, depression, and aggression during treatment.

For people receiving treatment for mental illnesses, animal-assisted interventions also reduce anger, anxiety, depression, and general distress, while improving the ability to socialize. Studies have further found that animal interactions have the ability to help people who are critically ill by reducing stress, anxiety, and boredom; improving mood; and reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Interacting with pets lowers our stress hormones

Studies around pets and mental health have also shown that petting and playing with animals reduces stress-related hormones, such as cortisol, and raises our levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin—a chemical in the body that reduces stress naturally. These hormones calm and relax the nervous system. When we smile and laugh at our pets’ cute behavior, that helps stimulate the release of these “happiness hormones.” These benefits can occur after just five minutes of interacting with a pet, which is very helpful for those with anxiety, and why animal-assisted therapy is so powerful.

Pets help us build healthy habits

Since pets need to be taken care of every day, they help us build healthy habits and routines:

• Physical activity: Dog owners need to take their pets for walks, runs, and hikes regularly. Therefore, owners receive the benefits of exercise. Studies show that dog owners are far more likely to meet recommended daily exercise requirements.
• Time in nature: Walking a dog or riding a horse gets us outside. As a result, we experience the many mental benefits of being outdoors.
• Getting up in the morning: Dogs and cats need to be fed on a regular schedule. As a result, pet owners need to get up and take care of them—no matter what mood they are in. Hence, pets give people a reason to get up and start their day.
• Pet care supports self-care: Caring for a dog, horse, or cat reminds us to care for ourselves as well. For example, teens that groom horses in Equine Assisted Therapy remember the importance of caring for their own health.