Menu
The human–animal bond has been a cornerstone of human wellbeing for thousands of years. Today, research continues to confirm what pet owners have long known — that sharing your life with an animal brings profound physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. From lowering blood pressure to reducing loneliness, pets play a vital role in promoting both physical and mental health.
Physical Health Benefits
Owning a pet, particularly a dog, encourages regular physical activity. Dog owners tend to walk more often and for longer durations than non-owners, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health and weight management (Christian et al., 2013). Regular interaction with animals has also been associated with lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased risk of heart disease (Allen, Blascovich, & Mendes, 2002).
Additionally, contact with animals can stimulate the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which helps reduce stress and promote relaxation (Beetz et al., 2012). Even gentle activities such as stroking a cat or watching fish swim have been shown to lower heart rate and cortisol levels, supporting the body’s natural stress regulation processes (Krause-Parello & Gulick, 2015).
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Pets provide emotional comfort, companionship, and unconditional acceptance — all essential elements in maintaining mental health. Studies have shown that pets can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by offering routine, purpose, and affection (Brooks et al., 2018).
For many people, caring for a pet fosters a sense of responsibility and stability, which can be especially beneficial for individuals coping with loneliness, grief, or trauma (Carr et al., 2021). The companionship of a pet can ease feelings of isolation and promote social interaction — dog walking, for example, often encourages casual social contact and community connection (Wood et al., 2015).
Therapeutic and Developmental Benefits
Beyond companionship, animals are increasingly recognised in therapeutic and developmental roles. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been linked to improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced social skills among children and adults (Kamioka et al., 2014).
For children, growing up with pets can teach empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence (Melson, 2003). In older adults, interacting with pets has been associated with reduced cognitive decline, increased motivation, and improved quality of life (Gee, Mueller, & Curl, 2017).
The Reciprocal Bond
The relationship between humans and their pets is profoundly reciprocal. While animals offer emotional and physiological benefits, responsible guardianship ensures their wellbeing in return — through proper nutrition, enrichment, veterinary care, and affection. This mutual care forms the foundation of a healthy human–animal bond, one that benefits both species.
The benefits of pet ownership extend far beyond companionship. Research consistently shows that pets contribute to better physical health, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional wellbeing. As our understanding of animal behaviour and welfare continues to evolve, so does our appreciation for the powerful role pets play in enriching human lives.
For those passionate about deepening this bond and understanding animal behaviour on a scientific level, studying with COAPE International offers the perfect foundation to make a difference — for both people and animals alike.
References
Allen, K., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. B. (2002). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: The truth about cats and dogs. Psychosomatic Medicine, 64(5), 727–739.
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
Brooks, H. L., Rushton, K., Lovell, K., Bee, P., Walker, L., Grant, L., & Rogers, A. (2018). The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Psychiatry, 18, 31.
Carr, E. C. J., Wallace, J. E., Onyango, E. A., & Gabriel, M. (2021). Human–animal relationships and interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness. Animals, 11(7), 2059.
Christian, H., Bauman, A., Epping, J. N., Levine, G. N., McCormack, G., Rhodes, R. E., … & Westgarth, C. (2013). Encouraging dog walking for health promotion and disease prevention. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 7(5), 349–356.
Gee, N. R., Mueller, M. K., & Curl, A. L. (2017). Human–animal interaction and older adults: An overview. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1416.
Kamioka, H., Okada, S., Tsutani, K., Park, H., Okuizumi, H., Handa, S., … & Mutoh, Y. (2014). Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(2), 371–390.
Krause-Parello, C. A., & Gulick, E. E. (2015). For older adults: The impact of pets on human health and wellness. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2, 42.
Melson, G. F. (2003). Child development and the human–companion animal bond. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 31–39.
Wood, L., Martin, K., Christian, H., Houghton, S., Kawachi, I., & McCune, S. (2015). The pet factor—Companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support. PLoS ONE, 10(4), e0122085.
