You don’t need a lab coat to know that spending time with pets just makes life feel better.
However, it turns out science backs this up in a big way. Whether it’s the calming rhythm of stroking a cat, the joy of being greeted by a dog like you’re the best thing that’s ever existed, or even watching fish swim in a tank—these simple moments do more than lift your mood. They actually change what’s happening in your brain and body. Believe it or not, here are 12 research-backed ways pets improve our mental health, one tail wag or tiny paw at a time.
1. They reduce stress hormones.
Spending time with pets has been shown to lower cortisol—the hormone responsible for stress. Just stroking a dog or sitting near a calm animal can help bring your nervous system back to baseline. It’s not just a feeling—it’s a biological reaction. The effect is so reliable that some workplaces now have office dogs to help employees decompress during high-stress days.
2. They help us produce more oxytocin.
Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and petting or bonding with your animal companion helps your body release more of it. This is the same chemical that helps parents bond with babies. Higher oxytocin levels mean better mood regulation, lower anxiety, and a stronger sense of connection—not just to your pet, but to other people in your life, too.
3. They lower blood pressure and heart rate.
According to multiple studies, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and more stable heart rates than people who don’t have pets. That’s not just coincidence—it’s the long-term effect of being around something that brings comfort and routine. Even short interactions with animals have been shown to promote cardiovascular calm, making pets a surprisingly effective part of managing heart health.
4. They give us a sense of purpose.
Feeding, walking, grooming, or just showing up for your pet every day helps create structure. And that structure gives life a sense of purpose, especially during difficult times like grief, depression, or major transitions. When everything else feels uncertain, knowing that something depends on you in a gentle, non-demanding way can be a quiet source of motivation and comfort.
5. They encourage physical activity.
Anyone who’s ever been nudged into a cold morning walk by a dog knows this one. Pets, especially dogs, get us moving. And physical movement, even just a bit each day, has been proven to improve mood and energy levels. Regular movement also helps with the release of endorphins, which naturally boost your outlook and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
6. They help us stay present.
Pets don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They’re fully in the moment, and being around that kind of energy is contagious. Their routines bring us back to basics—food, rest, affection, movement. That kind of mindful presence can be grounding, especially during anxious spirals or when life feels overwhelming. It’s a reminder that being right here, right now, is often enough.
7. They improve social connection.
Pets can act as social bridges—whether that’s meeting people at the park, chatting with other pet parents online, or even bonding with neighbours through shared animal interests. Loneliness is a growing issue, especially among adults and older people, and studies show that pet ownership can ease social isolation by increasing daily interactions and giving people something in common to talk about.
8. They offer non-judgemental support.
Unlike people, pets don’t interrupt, give advice, or get awkward when you’re upset. They just stay close. That quiet presence creates emotional safety that can be incredibly healing, especially for those who’ve experienced rejection, anxiety, or trauma. Knowing that you’re accepted without conditions, even on your worst day, builds a kind of emotional resilience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
9. They can reduce symptoms of depression.
Several studies have shown that people with pets experience fewer symptoms of clinical depression, including feelings of hopelessness and disconnection. While they’re not a replacement for therapy or medication, pets can act as a powerful complementary support. They help break the cycles of isolation and inertia that often come with depression by offering gentle nudges toward connection, movement, and comfort.
10. They improve sleep quality.
Surprisingly, research shows that people who sleep near or with their pets often report better sleep, especially if the animal is calm and has a consistent routine. The warmth and companionship can help reduce nighttime anxiety, and the sense of safety they bring helps ease the nervous system into deeper rest. It’s like a living weighted blanket with a heartbeat.
11. They boost emotional regulation in children.
Growing up with a pet can actually support emotional development. Studies show that kids who bond with animals tend to have better empathy, stronger emotional regulation skills, and reduced behavioural issues. The act of caring for something helps children learn responsibility and sensitivity in a way that’s engaging and emotionally rewarding—without it feeling like a lesson.
12. They help during major life transitions.
Whether it’s moving house, experiencing a breakup, losing a loved one, or adjusting to retirement, pets offer a source of consistency when everything else is changing. In these moments, pets aren’t just cute companions—they’re emotional anchors. Their presence can steady you during storms, helping you feel less alone, even when everything else feels uncertain.
It’s easy to underestimate the mental health boost pets bring because it feels so natural. But science makes it clear: having an animal in your life is more than just sweet. It’s therapeutic. It’s regulating. And for many people, it’s been one of the most healing relationships they’ve ever known.
