Is getting a pet good for mental health?

How joyful it is to come home to a loyal companion. Unconditional love is just the start of a wonderful relationship that’s possible with a pet.

There are so many benefits of having an animal, from conquering loneliness to providing comfort. Some pets can become emotional support animals—pets that provide emotional support for their humans. The effects of having a pet on your mental health can be overwhelmingly positive. Having a furry friend can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Understanding your needs will help you find the most compatible pet.

Health Benefits of Having Pets

Pets can positively impact our well-being and be one of the biggest joys in life. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or another creature, having a little being to keep you company will bring out the nurturer in you.

In taking care of your pet, you also get so much back.  Pets give unconditional love and are forgiving. They don’t ask questions and are easy on you with no judgment. You can sit with your pet friend, cry with it, and provide mutual comfort.

One of the most interesting and positive influences our furry pals have is on child development, particularly regarding autism and ADHD. Caring for a pet has a calming effect that helps young ones. Kids who read to animals show better social skills, more sharing, cooperation, and fewer behavioral problems. [1]

So many health benefits can be attributed to having pets, including:[1]

•  Reducing feelings of loneliness and providing connection and validation
•  Increasing self-acceptance and the way we think about ourselves
•  Keeping us mindful and focused on the present
•  Improving our ability to socialize
• Increasing physical activity
• Lowering blood pressure

When we care and show empathy to others outside of ourselves, including our pets, it improves our emotional well-being. Animals make you feel wanted and needed. Dogs, in particular, are very present and focus attention on their person.

Pet Effects on Mental Health

A pet has a unique way of communicating with you and mirrors your mood and energy. They can sense your distress and can provide a distraction when dealing with anger, frustration, trauma, stress, and boredom. Pets even give their owner a sense of responsibility, which can help with taking medications and keeping a routine, for example. There are additional beneficial effects pets have on mental health:

• Lowering cortisol (stress hormone) just by petting an animal, being close to it, and playing; pets activate oxytocin in our bodies and reduce cortisol levels in our brains
• Increasing resilience, according to HABRI- Human Animal Bond Research Institute [2]

• Managing their feelings and providing a powerful distraction from the stress of having a mental health problem [3]

Without a doubt, there are many reasons why having a pet is a good idea. But, there are things you might consider when making the decision to add an animal to your family. You’ll want to give care and attention to what kind of pet suits your personality and needs.

The Right Fit: Matching Your Needs

Whether you get a dog, cat, fish, or hamster, choose the right pet for you.

Be aware that animals can bring on or aggravate allergies or asthma. Dogs require lots of care: time, effort, attention, and love. Cats are more independent and don’t need as much hands-on attention beyond their litter box. Caged critters are easier, such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. Fish friends and reptiles might be a better choice for some because they can be lower maintenance.

Before choosing a pet, you may want to consider if you can afford care, with food, grooming, and vet bills being expensive. Thinking about what kind of pet would best fit your lifestyle can help you make the right choice, too. If a real pet isn’t an option, a stuffed animal can be grounding and offer a connection to something physical.

The mental and physical benefits of having a pet are great reasons to consider getting your very own animal. There is so much satisfaction in having a pet! Abundant love combined with years of companionship makes it all worth it. It’s a big step with big responsibilities, but you’ll be filled with joy when you come home to your animal companion. Your furry, scaly, or stuffed friend will be very glad you did.

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