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Pets Help Our Mental Health

Pets Help Our Mental Health
by
March 05, 2026
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist

We love our pets for many reasons. But research published in Frontiers in Psychology reports that pet owners often experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Simply petting a dog or cat releases oxytocin — the “love hormone” associated with bonding and stress relief. Even spending a brief 15 to 30 minutes with your pet can lower stress levels. It’s hard to imagine what happens when we spend even more time than that. Most of us who share our homes with pets probably exceed that window on a regular basis. Imagine the stress relief. It almost makes you want to insist they stay in your lap while hours of petting ensue, if only most of us had that kind of time.

Owning a pet also brings structure to our lives. There are times our pets expect to be fed, taken for walks, or go to bed. From my pet’s point of view, these routines should be followed religiously. Time for breakfast. Time for a walk. Time for a snack. Time for dinner. Time to go to bed. Time to be stroked and adored. And then, somehow, time for another snack as they haven’t had one for a few minutes. We must be careful about how many snacks are appropriate because our pets will attempt to weasel us out of many as they think we aren’t keeping track!

Caring for pets can also enhance emotional well-being and foster empathy and compassion. In some European countries, schools now include lessons on responsible pet ownership and empathy toward animals in their curriculums. When I was teaching, I started a Dog Club where, each week, special pets visited with their owners, who talked with students about care and responsibility. Many students participated, and I hope they left with a stronger understanding of how to treat dogs and other pets. More than a few of my students had never encountered the word “empathy” before. Watching animals become the bridge to that understanding was something special.

Pets also keep us physically active, which benefits us emotionally and mentally. We have to get moving when we have pets — even if it’s just to feed or brush them. More often, if a daily walk is needed to keep them happy and content. A game of tug-of-war or a session of ball-throwing can also get everyone’s heart rate up. Exercise releases the same “love hormone”, oxytocin, in both pets and people, again helping to lift moods and ease anxieties.

Pets play a vital role in our emotional well-being. Science confirms what we pet owners already know and appreciate: our furry companions make our lives better in so many ways. It’s worth taking time to appreciate all the ways our pets improve our mental and overall health. Give them a hug or two. Take them for a walk. Give them a good brushing. Give them a treat — but not too many!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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