10 Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
By Ashley Miers
If you’re a pet owner, you’re probably already aware of how much comfort your pet can bring you, especially during emotionally challenging times. I can certainly relate to this… My cat Indy is incredibly intuitive and empathetic. He never fails to come crawling into my lap if ever tears overwhelm me.
This in particular was a really beautiful moment… I don’t even remember what I was crying about anymore. I remember I was talking with my husband in our kitchen back in August of 2017, and I was so, so sad. I was sitting on the counter, and my tears were flowing, and Indy crawled right up in my lap. It was such a profound and incredible moment, and even in my sadness, I thought to snap a photo to preserve the memory.
While I can talk all day long about the mental health benefits of owning a pet from my own anecdotal experience (responsibility, accountability, a sense of purpose, enhanced physical health and motivation to exercise (especially for dog owners)), science has a lot to say on this subject as well.
Here are 10 Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet, according to research conducted by The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI):
Lower levels of depression
Higher levels of life satisfaction
Lower symptoms of PTSD
Improved psychological well-being
Lower levels of social isolation
Greater engagement and ability to participate in social activities
Higher levels of resilience
Distraction from rumination (providing an anchor to the present moment)
Reduced stress
Less loneliness
All of these are powerful benefits of pet ownership, but “less loneliness” really stands out to me. A lot of research has been illuminating the toxic health effects of loneliness. According to research conducted by the health insurance company Cigna in 2018, “loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, making it even more dangerous than obesity”.
While owning a pet is not THE answer to the toxic effects of loneliness - human interaction is imperative, too! - it certainly can have a significant positive impact on our mental health. And, when we adopt animals from shelters, we can be doing them a life-saving service as well.
While this blog post advocates for pet ownership, I do want to make sure I assert one caveat: pet ownership is not for everyone. It’s important to be sure you will keep your commitment to care for your pet, including being able to be kind to your pet (not taking out your emotions on your pet or treating your pet in an abusive manner), and being able to provide for your pet’s welfare financially (vet costs, food, etc). That being said, if full pet ownership is too great of a commitment for where you are personally at right now, there are also opportunities to foster pets or volunteer at shelters that can again provide benefits both for you and for the animals you care for.
I know Indy being with me throughout all of my ups and downs throughout the years has contributed to my recovery - and in particular to my ability to get through my most challenging moments. In fact, one of his nicknames is “Purr-Puss”.
When it comes to mental health, our recovery benefits not only us, but our loved ones - including the animals we care for. And I think the symbiosis of caring for a pet - the way our pets benefit our mental health and our recovery in return - is a particularly beautiful thing.
<3
****Please note: My cat Indy is currently sick. :(
I’ve created a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for his medical care. You can learn about the details of his condition (as well as view more adorable photos and video of Indy) here.
Please consider donating to help Indy if you possibly can. I do my best to contribute value and be of service, and at the moment I’m in the position of humbly asking for help and support.
If you can’t donate, please share our Go Fund Me campaign (or this blog post) on your social media. And send healing thoughts and prayers.
It means the world to me, Indy, and my family. Thank you, and may you be blessed.