A Pawsitive Impact: How Our Pets Can Help Us Thrive

Have you ever asked someone about their pet and saw their face instantly light up? It turns out there's a lot of science behind those feelings. Our fellow humans can often help us with our emotions, but nonhuman animals can also improve our psychological and physical health. In fact, pet ownership has been shown to be so beneficial that some people have argued for promoting it as a public health strategy.

Sharing your living space with another sentient creature can be a powerful way to combat feelings of isolation. Animals can be very entertaining (intentionally or unintentionally!) and their erratic behavior can arouse our curiosity. Simply watching your pets run and play can make your living environment richer and more dynamic. A nationally representative survey commissioned by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely.

Even if you are not struggling with feelings of solitude, a pet can boost your mental wellness. Dog ownership creates a routine and provides a sense of purpose, which can be beneficial for people struggling with depression or anxiety. And for individuals facing attachment challenges, developing a reciprocal bond with a dog can serve as a bridge towards building healthier relationship patterns with people. Bonds between humans and dogs can be very durable because these relationships activate deeply-rooted psychological systems related to attachment and caregiving.

But these benefits are not only in the mind. Although it can be very frustrating to be caught in the pouring rain, the obligation to walk a dog regularly can be an important contributor to long term cardiovascular health. Research has shown that the simple act of petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and social interaction with dogs increases levels of oxytocin. One quantitative study asked subjects to complete stressful tasks, and subjects who were with their cats had lower blood pressure and made fewer errors.

Both the science and the stories agree: Pets have a way of helping us feel connected, supported, and valued. Animals can remind us of the possibility of pure and unconditional love. Sometimes the help that arrives on four legs can carry us even further than our two-legged friends.