Most pet owners will tell you that life feels better with an animal by their side – but what does the research actually say?
As it turns out, quite a lot. Studies across human-animal interaction, child development and mental health all point to the same conclusion: pets can have a genuinely positive effect on wellbeing.
Here are some key findings you can share with your clients.
Pets help lower stress
Research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has consistently shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress-related markers.
- Spending time with a pet can:
Lower cortisol levels
Reduce blood pressure
Increase feelings of social support
Ease loneliness
Improve overall mood.
This is often why clients describe their pets as “grounding” or “comforting,” especially during periods of stress or change.
Pets can improve social skills in children
Human-animal interaction has also been shown to help children develop social and emotional skills – something many parents appreciate, but may not realise is backed by research.
Children with ADHD
In one study, children with ADHD took part in 12-week reading sessions. Those who read to a real dog showed, as opposed to a puppet dog, showed:
Better social skills
More cooperation and sharing
Fewer behavioural issues.
Children with autism
Another study found that spending just ten minutes interacting with guinea pigs significantly reduced anxiety and encouraged social engagement in children with autism.
Why is that? Researchers believe that animals provide gentle, unconditional companionship, making social interaction feel safer and easier.
These are powerful examples to share with families who are exploring ways to support their children’s emotional wellbeing.
Pets may encourage healthier habits
Some wellbeing benefits come from the routines pets naturally create.
Dog owners, for example, tend to be more physically active simply because daily walks become part of life. That increase in movement can influence heart health, energy levels and mood.
There’s also evidence that caring for another living being supports healthier habits in young people. A study involving teens with diabetes found that those tasked with caring for a fish twice daily – feeding, checking water levels, completing weekly tank maintenance – became more consistent in managing their own blood glucose levels.
Pets offer comfort, and sometimes clinical support
Therapy dogs are now common in hospitals, aged-care facilities and mental health settings. Their ability to “be present” makes them particularly helpful for people experiencing stress, illness or grief.
Researchers note that animals naturally demonstrate many of the principles taught in mindfulness (like presence, compassion and non-judgement), which may explain their calming effect.
So... do pets make us happier?
Taken together, the evidence strongly suggests yes. Pets can reduce stress, improve mood, encourage healthy habits, support social and emotional development and help people feel more connected.
But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The benefits depend on the person, their lifestyle and the bond they form with the animal. What matters most is the relationship, and how it fits into someone’s daily life.
Help your clients learn more - the easy way
If you want to share research-based, trustworthy pet-care content with your clients, you don’t have to create it from scratch.
With your clinic-branded Vetdesk app, you can send educational articles, tips and wellbeing insights directly to pet owners – helping them feel informed, supported and more connected to your clinic.
👉Want to see how simple it can be? Request a demo today.
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