5 ways pets can improve your mental health

More than 5.2 million people follow @dogsofinstagram. Close to 10 million follow @jiffpom, who is described as a public figure. And closer to home, 449 thousand people are tuned to the happenings of @greatgramsofgary, sharing Gary the Cat’s adventures in the Rockies. There’s even a social term now: “petfluencer,” aka, the human posting photos and videos of their pets. 

And while scrolling through cat videos on Insta is great for a light-hearted break, there’s also a real benefit to owning pets when it comes to your mental health. 

Here are our top five ways pets can improve your mental health.

  1. Reduce stress. We all feel stress at one point or another and there is research that shows simply petting a dog or cat can ease your stress, reduce your blood sugar and lower your heart rate. Not interested in the furry type of friend? Perhaps something as simple as a fish is right for you! Think about how you feel simply watching a fish swim in an aquarium. It’s peaceful, relaxing and a wonderful mindfulness activity. 

  2. Companionship. We saw a significant surge of animals being adopted through COVID-19 and while many added to their family because they knew they’d be home more to care for it, others were looking for company. Pets can be affectionate, accepting, loyal, honest and consistent. If you feel isolated with little support, a pet can help reduce your loneliness. 

  3. Routine and organization. Most pets require a routine of feeding, cleaning and exercise. Spoiler alert! So do we as humans. But we are way more likely to slack off on our own routine than we are when we’re taking care of another creature. Sticking to this routine together can give you purpose and motivation. This can all help your self-esteem and overall mental health.

  4. A sense of purpose. When we are feeling a bit lost and un-useful, a pet can help provide you with a sense of purpose. This can alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety, simply because you know you are responsible for your pet. You matter to them.

  5. Increased social interaction and physical fitness. There are many studies indicating that pet owners tend to be healthier, with increased fitness levels, lower stress. They are just generally happier people. Taking your dog for a walk not only gets you out in the fresh air for some exercise, but you’re likely to run into others doing the same thing. Perhaps you can make a new friend and set up regular dog walking dates.

Disclaimer: Before you go and make a pet purchase, we encourage you to talk to other pet owners, family and friends about what type of animal might be the right fit for you. 

Other ways to enjoy pets

Do you love animals and all of the benefits, but aren’t ready or able to have your own? Here are just a few ways you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits without ownership:

  • Dog walking at the SPCA

  • Visiting cats at the SPCA or Cat Yoga

  • Walk a friend’s dog

  • Offer to pet sit for a friend or family member

Finding ways to interact with animals can help relieve stress, stabilize emotions, and increase mood. The animal-human bond can be a powerful tool in the journey towards improving mental health.


Melanie Nicholson