Key Findings
✔️ Dog owners have a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
✔️ Interacting with pets lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin, promoting relaxation and happiness.
✔️ Dog owners walk an additional 22 minutes per day and take 2,800 more steps daily than non-owners.
✔️ Children raised with pets have fewer infections and a lower risk of allergies and asthma.
✔️ Animal-assisted therapy helps reduce pain perception, lower anxiety, and improve emotional well-being.
✔️ 40% of dog owners make new friends through their pets, increasing social connections.
✔️ Pets provide emotional stability for individuals with PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
✔️ Schools and therapy programs are using animals to reduce stress and improve student well-being.
✔️ Policymakers are advocating for pet-related paid sick leave and pet-friendly policies.
✔️ More healthcare professionals recognize pets as part of therapy, healthcare, and mental health treatment.
✔️ Interacting with pets lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin, promoting relaxation and happiness.
✔️ Dog owners walk an additional 22 minutes per day and take 2,800 more steps daily than non-owners.
✔️ Children raised with pets have fewer infections and a lower risk of allergies and asthma.
✔️ Animal-assisted therapy helps reduce pain perception, lower anxiety, and improve emotional well-being.
✔️ 40% of dog owners make new friends through their pets, increasing social connections.
✔️ Pets provide emotional stability for individuals with PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
✔️ Schools and therapy programs are using animals to reduce stress and improve student well-being.
✔️ Policymakers are advocating for pet-related paid sick leave and pet-friendly policies.
✔️ More healthcare professionals recognize pets as part of therapy, healthcare, and mental health treatment.
Quick Navigation
For centuries, pets have been loyal friends, cherished companions, adventure partners and even life savers. But beyond the emotional bond we share with them, scientific research now confirms that pets can significantly improve our health.
From reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of owning a pet go far beyond companionship.
From reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of owning a pet go far beyond companionship.
We took a deep look at all the latest scientific studies to uncover how pet ownership directly impacts physical and mental health, and what this means for the future of public health.
In this article, we explore how pets influence heart health, stress levels, and emotional well-being, as well as why experts are advocating for pets in therapy, healthcare, and wellness programs.
In this article, we explore how pets influence heart health, stress levels, and emotional well-being, as well as why experts are advocating for pets in therapy, healthcare, and wellness programs.
🤸 The Physical Health Benefits of Pets
Owning a pet offers many physical health advantages, from improving cardiovascular health to promoting regular physical activity. Recent scientific studies have proven that there is a great positive impact that pets have on their owners' well-being.
1. Improved Heart Health ❤️
Research consistently shows that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is linked to better heart health. Having a pet can lower the risk of high blood pressure, support healthier cholesterol levels, and even improve blood pressure control in individuals with hypertension.
Additionally, studies have found that dog ownership is associated with a 21% reduction in the risk of death for people with heart disease over a 12-year period. Regular walks, playtime, and the emotional bond between pet parents and their pets are believed to strengthen cardiovascular health and contribute to a longer lifespan.
2. Increased Physical Activity 🚶♂️
Owning a pet - especially a dog - naturally encourages a more active lifestyle. Dogs require daily walks, outdoor playtime, and regular movement, which in turn increases their owners' physical activity levels.
Even cat owners tend to engage in more light movement, such as interactive play and daily care routines, compared to those without pets.
Even cat owners tend to engage in more light movement, such as interactive play and daily care routines, compared to those without pets.
An analysis on pet ownership and physical activity found that pet owners are significantly more active than non-pet owners, with dog owners far more likely to meet daily exercise recommendations. On average, dog owners walk an additional 22 minutes per day compared to those without dogs, achieving nearly 2,800 more steps daily.
This increased activity does more than just help owners stay in shape. It contributes to better cardiovascular fitness, improved metabolism, and enhanced muscle and joint health. Studies suggest that regular physical activity with pets may also lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other weight-related conditions.
Beyond exercise, pets also encourage incidental movement, like walking around the house for feeding or engaging in play sessions. Even short bursts of physical activity add up over time, leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle overall.
3. Stress Reduction 🧘
Interacting with pets can have a profound effect on stress levels. Studies have shown that interacting with animals helps regulate the body’s stress response, leading to a calmer, more balanced emotional state.
Petting a dog or cat has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, while simultaneously boosting oxytocin, the "love hormone" that promotes feelings of happiness, bonding, and relaxation. This natural hormonal shift helps counteract the effects of chronic stress, which is linked to anxiety, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system.
Beyond biochemical responses, pets also offer emotional support during difficult times. Many people turn to their pets for comfort, companionship, and a sense of routine, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing high-pressure work environments, personal loss, or mental health challenges.
Research suggests that just 10 minutes of pet interaction can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.
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One study found that college students who engaged in pet therapy sessions reported lower stress levels and improved overall emotional well-being compared to those who did not interact with animals.
4. Enhanced Immune Function 🛡️
Owning a furry companion could also strengthen the immune system. Regular interaction with animals can introduce a variety of microorganisms to the home environment, potentially strengthening the immune response - helping the body build resilience against infections and allergies.
While more research is needed in this area, some studies suggest that children raised in households with pets experience fewer infections. Additionally, some findings indicate that children who grow up with pets may have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life. The presence of pets in the home may help regulate immune responses, reducing the likelihood of overactive immune reactions that lead to allergies.
Beyond childhood, pet ownership may also benefit the immune function of adults. Regular interaction with animals has been linked to lower inflammation levels and a stronger immune response, which could help improve the body’s ability to fight off illness.
While more research is needed in this area, scientists continue to explore how pet-related microbial exposure contributes to long-term health benefits.
So sharing your home with a pet might do more than just bring joy! It could also help your immune system stay strong.
5. Pain Management 💊
Pets can also play a role in pain relief and patient recovery. Therapy animals have been increasingly integrated into clinical settings, with studies showing that their presence helps reduce the perception of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing medical procedures.
Research indicates that interacting with therapy dogs before, during, or after treatment can lead to a decrease in pain levels. This effect is believed to be linked to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which are stimulated by physical touch and emotional bonding with animals.
Additionally, therapy animals have been shown to improve comfort and relaxation in hospital patients, individuals recovering from surgery, and those with chronic pain conditions. Their calming presence may reduce the need for pain medications.
🧠 The Mental Health Benefits of Pets
Beyond their physical health advantages, pets offer profound mental health benefits. From reducing anxiety to enhancing social connections, the bond between humans and their furry companions plays a crucial role in promoting emotional well-being.
1. Alleviating Anxiety and Depression 🐈🤗
Interacting with pets has been shown to offer long-term emotional stability, helping people manage chronic anxiety and depression. Their presence provides companionship, routine, and emotional grounding, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
Many pet owners report that caring for an animal adds structure and purpose to their day, helping them stay engaged and motivated. This sense of responsibility can be especially helpful for those with depression, as it provides a reason to get up, be active, and maintain a daily routine.
Additionally, studies have found that people with pets are less likely to experience severe depressive episodes and report higher levels of emotional resilience. The companionship of a pet also reduces feelings of isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression.
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One study found that individuals with emotional support animals experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over time, especially among those dealing with long-term mental health conditions.
2. Improving Social Interaction 👨👩👧👦
Pets can help their owners build relationships and engage with others. This is particularly valuable for those who feel isolated, lonely, or socially withdrawn, as the presence of a pet creates a sense of companionship.
Beyond providing direct emotional support, pets act as social bridges, encouraging human interaction in ways that might not happen otherwise. Walking a dog, visiting a pet-friendly café, or even talking about pets online often leads to conversations and connections with other pet owners.
Studies suggest that pet owners have more frequent social interactions and a greater sense of community compared to non-pet owners.
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One study found that over 40% of dog owners reported making new friends through their pets, with interactions at dog parks and pet-friendly spaces.
Even pets that don't require outdoor walks - such as cats, rabbits, or birds - can still improve social well-being. Engaging in pet-related communities, such as online forums, pet training classes, or rescue organizations, helps pet owners connect with like-minded individuals, reducing social isolation.
For individuals who struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty starting conversations, pets can serve as a natural icebreaker. Many people find it easier to engage in discussions when centered around a shared love for animals, making it less intimidating to connect with others.
Ultimately, pets create opportunities for meaningful human connections, building a sense of belonging that is crucial for mental health and emotional resilience.
A wagging tail or a gentle purr has the power to reduce stress and make every day just a little brighter. Science just confirms what pet owners have always known - life is simply better with a pet! - David, founder of PetRadar
3. Providing Emotional Support and Stability 🐕🦺
The consistent presence of a pet offers emotional stability, helping people navigate stressful situations, personal challenges, and even long-term mental health conditions. Unlike human relationships, which can be complex and unpredictable, pets provide steady, unconditional support, creating a safe and judgment-free space for their owners.
In therapeutic settings, animal-assisted therapy has been successfully integrated into clinical mental health treatment, helping individuals with conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), demonstrating the profound impact of human-animal interactions on emotional healing.
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Research has shown that individuals with PTSD who have service or emotional support animals experience fewer panic episodes, reduced hypervigilance, and improved emotional regulation. The physical presence of a pet has been linked to lower heart rates, reduced startle responses, and fewer nightmares in individuals with trauma-related disorders.
For many, pets act as emotional anchors, grounding their owners through moments of distress and offering a sense of security when the world feels overwhelming. Whether through physical touch, companionship, or routine, pets are powerful allies in managing mental health and emotional resilience.
4. Enhancing Cognitive Function and Mindfulness 🧠
Engaging with pets requires individuals to be present in the moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing overthinking. Activities such as playing fetch, grooming, or simply observing a pet's behavior can divert attention from negative thought patterns and encourage a more grounded mental state.
For older adults, interacting with pets has been associated with improved cognitive function and a slower progression of cognitive decline, offering a sense of purpose and routine that stimulates mental activity.
🔬 Health Benefits of Pets - Scientific Findings
📊 How Owning a Pet is Changing Public Health Perspectives
Recognizing the multiple benefits of pet ownership, public health policies are evolving to incorporate animals into wellness and therapeutic programs. Here's how they're making an impact across different sectors:
1. Pets as a Public Health Strategy 📃
Scientific studies have demonstrated that pets can alleviate anxiety, reduce depression, and buffer against stress. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of pet owners reported that their pets helped them cope emotionally. Because of this, professionals now recommend pets and integrate them into the long-term management of different health conditions.
2. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in Healthcare 🏥
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) became more and more popular as a complementary treatment method. AAT involves the use of trained animals to assist individuals in recovering from or coping with health problems.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, the charity Pets as Therapy (PAT) facilitates visits of therapy animals to hospitals, providing comfort and emotional support to patients.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, the charity Pets as Therapy (PAT) facilitates visits of therapy animals to hospitals, providing comfort and emotional support to patients.
3. Policy Developments Supporting Pet Ownership 💼
Recognizing the health benefits associated with pet ownership, policymakers are advocating for more inclusive policies. In New York City, a proposed bill aims to allow residents to use their paid sick leave to care for pets and service animals. This initiative acknowledges the importance of pets and seeks to support pet owners in fulfilling their caregiving responsibilities.
4. Educational Institutions Embracing Therapy Animals 👩🎓
Schools are also integrating therapy animals to enhance student well-being. In the San Francisco Bay Area, programs have introduced dogs into educational settings to provide stress relief and emotional support to students. These initiatives have been linked to increased self-esteem, reduced stress, and improved attendance and behavior among students.
📌 Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Safety
While the benefits of pet integration into public health are so evident, there are still challenges. Regulatory frameworks, such as those governing animals in food-serving establishments, can limit pet-friendly policies. For example, a popular pub in St Kilda, Australia, had to revoke its pet-friendly policy due to council regulations, highlighting the need for balanced policies that consider public health standards and the therapeutic benefits of pet interactions.
🔶 Life With Pets: A Bond That Goes Beyond Science
From lowering blood pressure and encouraging an active lifestyle to reducing stress, improving mental health, and even shaping public health policies, the impact of pets on human health is undeniable.
As researchers continue to explore the long-term health benefits of pet ownership, we expect to see even more integration of animals into healthcare, therapy, and wellness programs.
But beyond the science, what truly matters is the bond we share with our pets. They offer unconditional love, emotional support, and a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s little moments. Pets enrich our lives in ways that go far beyond what any study can measure.
At PetRadar, our mission goes beyond helping pet parents reunite with their lost furry family members. We are dedicated to helping people better understand and appreciate the incredible impact of sharing life with a pet.
At PetRadar, our mission goes beyond helping pet parents reunite with their lost furry family members. We are dedicated to helping people better understand and appreciate the incredible impact of sharing life with a pet.
As pet ownership continues to rise, so does our responsibility to advocate for pet-friendly policies, support animal welfare, and promote research on how pets contribute to a healthier society.
Because at the end of the day, life is simply better with a pet. 🐾❤️
📑 Sources & References
Harvard Health
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2022
Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) National Institutes of Health (NIH)
American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2023–2024
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Mayo Clinic Research
Harvard Health
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2022
Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) National Institutes of Health (NIH)
American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2023–2024
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Mayo Clinic Research
Written by
Alexandra Soanca
I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges and emotions that come with searching for a missing pet, and I’m here to provide guidance, support, and a little bit of hope along the way. When I'm not helping reunite lost pets with their pet parents, you’ll likely find me spending time with my own furry companion, Valla - a curious gray tabby with a **very** independent spirit.
