how do pets help mental health

Pets can support mental health by providing companionship, adding daily routine and activity, easing loneliness and helping many people feel calmer. The research is encouraging but mixed, and a pet is a helpful support, not a replacement for professional treatment. Key Takeaways Stress: time with pets is linked to lower stress hormones and feelings of calm. Loneliness: pets offer company and can help owners meet other people. Routine and exercise: especially with dogs, daily walks support mood. Best pet: the one that fits your time, space, budget and energy. Important: pets complement therapy and medication. They don’t replace them. This article is general information and not medical or mental health advice. See our Disclosure. Pets and Stress Relief Spending time with a pet is associated with lower cortisol (a stress hormone), and interacting with animals has been linked with higher oxytocin, a bonding hormone. Everyday ways pets help: Touch: stroking a dog or cat can feel soothing. Routine: feeding and walking give your day structure. Distraction: play pulls attention away from worries and into the moment. Pets and Loneliness Loneliness affects mental health, and pets give a sense of company and being needed. Dog owners also tend to meet neighbors on walks, at parks and at the vet, which can build social connection. Research suggests pets can support social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation for some people. Pets and Anxiety Many people find a pet’s steady, predictable presence calming. Caring for an animal also encourages mindfulness, because it keeps you focused on the here and now. Psychiatric service dogs are individually trained to help people with conditions such as anxiety or PTSD, for example by interrupting panic symptoms. Read about psychiatric service dogs. Physical Activity and Mood Dogs encourage daily movement. Exercise releases endorphins and can ease symptoms of stress, anxiety and low mood. Walks, fetch, trail time and even laser-pointer play with a cat keep you moving. Pets and Depression When motivation is low, a pet’s needs can give you a reason to get up, eat, step outside and keep a routine. Some studies find lower depression scores among pet owners, though results vary and ownership alone is not a treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a doctor or therapist. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US) or contact your local emergency number. Best Pets for Mental Health Pet Mental health upside Consider Dog Strong bond, daily walks, social contact Needs time, exercise and money for training and care. Cat Affectionate and calming, independent Litter box and vet costs. Purring is soothing to many owners. Rabbit or guinea pig Gentle, interactive, small Need space, daily care and the right diet. Fish Watching fish can feel relaxing Little cuddling. Tank upkeep required. Compare options in our guides to the easiest pets to take care of, caring for a pet rabbit and the best cat breed for you. How to Choose the Right Pet Space: do you have room for a dog or cat? Time: can you commit to daily walks, play and care? Budget: food, vet visits and supplies add up. Compare dog insurance costs. Energy: do you want an active companion or a quiet presence? Long-term: pets can live for many years. What the Evidence Says Studies often report lower stress and less loneliness among people with pets, and animal-assisted therapy is used with conditions such as PTSD and anxiety. But studies differ in design and results, and not every owner benefits. A mismatched or unaffordable pet can add stress, so adopt thoughtfully. Getting the Most from Your Pet Spend focused time together daily: play, walks, cuddles. Keep your pet healthy with regular vet care and good nutrition. See why annual wellness exams matter. Teach basic training for a calmer home. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Find supplies in our pet shop. Frequently Asked Questions Do pets really help with anxiety and depression? Many people find them comforting and motivating, and research is generally positive but mixed. Pets support treatment but don’t replace it. What is the best pet for mental health? It depends on you. Dogs are great for activity and connection, cats for calm companionship, and small pets or fish for low-space options. What is the difference between an emotional support animal and a psychiatric service dog? Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals provide comfort by their presence and don’t have the same training or legal access rights. Rules vary, so check local law. Sources Johns Hopkins Medicine: The Friend Who Keeps You Young PubMed Central: Human-animal interaction and oxytocin PubMed Central: Pets and social interaction Mayo Clinic: Exercise and Stress Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information. Talk to a qualified professional about your mental health.