How Pets Can Support Mental Health (and How to Make the Most of It)

We often think of pets as sources of joy, company, and those little moments that brighten our day. But according to Mental Health America (in a partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, or HABRI), the benefits go deeper—and they can play a meaningful role in our mental health. Here’s a look at what their resource center shares, and how you might carve your own path toward using the human-animal bond as a tool for well-being.

What the Research Shows

● Pet ownership is common: About 70% of U.S. households have a pet.

● Emotional benefits are widespread:

○ ~80% of pet owners say their pets bring them happiness and
emotional support.

○ ~55% believe pets help reduce anxiety and depression.

○ ~66% say their pets help relieve stress.

So, there’s strong indication that pets do a lot more than wag tails or chirp; they contribute to comfort, stress relief, and emotional grounding.

Why Pets Help

The resource center breaks down several areas where pets can make a difference:

1. Stress, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Pets can help calm nervous systems, reduce feelings of isolation, or provide outlets for emotional release.

2. Loneliness and Social Isolation
Pets can be reliable companions when it's difficult to connect. By becoming companions themselves or by facilitating greater social engagement (e.g., walks, community pet activities), they fill voids for many.

3. Therapeutic and Support Roles
There’s more than just “pet ownership.” The article outlines different roles like emotional support animals, therapy animals, and service animals—each serving different needs and with different legal and practical considerations.

Thinking of Getting a Pet?

If you’re considering adding an animal to your life, or changing how you relate to a pet you already have, the article suggests these be part of the process:

● Assess what kind of animal matches your lifestyle and your
emotional needs. Pets aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all.

● Understand the commitment—time, care, costs, and how it fits
with other responsibilities.

● Learn about the different types of animal‑based support (pet vs.
support vs. service vs. therapy) and what the requirements are

For Pet Owners: Strengthening the Bond

If you already have a pet, there are ways to deepen the relationship and harness the mental‐health benefits more fully:

● Incorporate them into your daily routine in meaningful ways. For
instance, play, walks, grooming, or simply quiet companions during
stressful moments.

● Be mindful of your pet’s needs—health, emotional needs, aging,
etc. A pet that is stressed or unwell can’t offer the same comfort.

● Consider the harder moments too—grief over loss, handling
anxiety or depression while caring for an animal, or changes in your
life that affect both you and your pet.

Key Takeaway

Having a pet can help you deal with your mental health, but they're not a cure-all. The benefit frequently depends on how well the pet fits your circumstances, the level of bonding and care, and the support systems you have in place. The benefits to your mental health can be significant if you approach pet ownership or your connection with a pet with knowledge and responsibility.

Reference: Mental Health America