Pets are more than just cute, cuddly critters that we enjoy spending time with. After all, there’s a reason pet people often describe their cat or dog as part of their family: They make us feel better when they’re around, both physically and emotionally.  

“Historically, the therapeutic benefits of animals are documented maybe earlier than most are aware of,” explains Dr. Larena Davis, counselor and clinical director for The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper. “Ancient Greeks found that horses appeared to lift the spirits of those very ill.”

“Another significant documented use in history,” she continues, “was in medieval Belgium when humans and animals were rehabilitated together, which showed that companionship has a positive effect.”

Even early anthropological research has found cats domesticated themselves starting in South Asia and befriended humans for a mutually beneficial relationship!

Today, scientific research continues to document these kinds of positive effects. Here are just a few that have been shown:

1. They Help Us Feel Loved

“Pets can increase our dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels,” says Davis, and these hormones, she says, make us feel good or happy.

Oxytocin, for example, is often called the “love” hormone because it fosters the development of bonds with others, including our babies. And researchers have found that when dogs and people look at each other or interact with each other, they both get a surge in oxytocin.  

2. They Make Us Feel Less Lonely

Pets are companions – they can make us feel loved and accepted, no matter what.  

“No matter where you are in life, pets are excited to love you and be loved in return,” explains Davis. “They don’t care how much money you have, where you live, or what you do. They just love you.”

“Love and the need to be loved is a basic and primary human instinct,” she continues. “Pets provide infinite amounts of love that combat feelings of stress, loneliness, sadness, and other negative emotions.”

People can talk, touch, and cuddle with their companion animals.

This is one reason why so many people adopted pets during the pandemic lockdowns – and according to a 2021 study from Malaysia, pets seemed to boost mental health and well-being during those periods of isolation.

3. They Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Decades of research have found a correlation between lower blood pressure and pet ownership.

For example, an older 1988 study, found that petting dogs could help lower people’s heart rates and blood pressure, while a 1992 Australian study found lower blood pressures in pet owners than those who didn’t own pets, even if they had similar BMIs and socioeconomic profiles.

A 2002 study of married couples and a 2007 study of elder adults also found lower levels of high blood pressure.

Other research has found pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and heart attack patients live longer if they have a furry friend at home.

That’s why the American Heart Association states that having pets – especially a dog – could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

 4. They Lower Stress And Anxiety

Pets can help people worry less, which has a beneficial effect on stress and anxiety levels. Plus, “interacting with animals can decrease levels of [the stress hormone] cortisol,” says Davis.

A 2015 study found that growing up with a pet dog was associated with lower levels of childhood anxiety.

And a 2018 study found that therapy dogs helped stressed university students.

5. They Encourage You To Go Outside

Certain pets, like dogs, need time outdoors, so if you have a dog, you’re more likely to leave the house and get fresh air.

This can be especially beneficial for people living with some mental health conditions.

“For some people,” explains Dr. Melissa Geraghty, a psychologist in the Greater Chicago area, “having a pet can make the difference between staying isolated at home and venturing out with their pet.”

6. They Get Us To Exercise More

Certain pets, such as dogs, require regular exercise, which means that you too might get more exercise as a result.

“Dog owners walk an average of 22 more minutes per day than non-dog owners,” says Tasha Holland-Kornegay, a mental health counsellor licensed in North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia.

She emphasizes that exercise itself can be very beneficial for mental health.

Even a short walk around the block has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood.

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