Pets Can Improve Emotional Health

There’s no doubt that owning a pet can have a significant impact on your physical health, but the health benefits don’t stop there. In addition to better physical health, pet owners often experience an improvement in their mental health as well.

Decreases Loneliness

Loneliness is a problem faced by many individuals, and it is especially common among senior citizens and elderly individuals who may have lost their spouse. Loneliness can result in negative emotional health and feelings of depression, sadness and fear . For these individuals, a pet is much more than just an animal. Pets can become lifelong companions to people who would otherwise spend their days alone.

In addition to the elderly, pets can offer companionship to individuals with physical disabilities, children who suffer from autism and other developmental delays, stay-at-home parents whose kids have started school and empty nesters whose adult children have recently left the home.

Decreases Fear and Anxiety

Many individuals experience fear and anxiety about their safety, especially at night. Fear can affect all individuals, however, it may be especially true for women and the elderly who wonder how they will protect themselves if an intruder were to enter the home. Adults who live alone may be especially fearful about potential burglars or home invaders. Pet owners report an increased sense of security from having a dog in the home. The dog need not be vicious or a trained attack dog to offer protection.

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and their hearing is much more acute than that of humans. Just knowing that their dogs bark will quickly alert them to anything out of the ordinary often makes people feel more relaxed and secure in their own home.

Improves Mood

Pets have the ability to quickly improve their owner’s mood. Animal lovers often can’t help but to feel happy when they are in the company of their pets, even when they are in the worst of moods. Interacting with pets can cause euphoric feelings and eliminate feelings of anger, sadness, irritability and depression. Spending time with pets can release tension and eliminate stress.

Encourage Social Interaction

Individuals with pets often forge relationships with other pet owners . Whether taking your dog for a walk or taking your cat to the vet for a check-up, you are likely to run into other people who are engaging in the same activities with their pets. Pets can be the common interest you share with other individuals that makes it easier for you to engage in a conversation with them. This is especially beneficial for people who are shy and not very outgoing. Having a pet provides you with the opportunity to expand your social network and develop relationships with likeminded people. Having a broad circle of friends and acquaintances can significantly improve your mental health and well being.


There’s no doubt that there are significant health benefits, both physical and emotional , associated with being a pet owner. Pets are lifelong companions who will love their owner unconditionally. Owning a pet, however, comes with a lot of responsibility and is a major commitment. Before becoming a pet owner, make sure you understand what is involved and what will be expected of you as you care for the animal. Consider all of your responsibilities, including caring for your pet, grooming, feedings, taking him to the vet, training him, etc. For many people, the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the work that comes with it.