Here is how pets support your mental health

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You probably know someone who lights up when they talk about their pet. Maybe that’s you. The way they greet you at the door or curl up beside you can make a rough day a little easier.

Pets do more than keep you company

Research shows pets can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, and lift overall mood. That’s part of why therapy animals visit hospitals and care centers: to help people feel calmer and more connected.

How pets can support your mental health

If you’ve ever felt better just by sitting with your dog or hearing your cat purr, you know the kind of support pets offer. They accept us as we are. That steady, uncomplicated bond can ease loneliness and soften anxious thoughts.

Pets help reduce stress and anxiety

Being around animals activates oxytocin and dopamine—the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Pets also help us stay present. Caring for another living being adds structure and meaning to our days, which supports emotional balance.

Some simple ways to connect

1. Spend a few quiet minutes each day petting or playing with your animal. Notice how your body feels.

2. Take your dog for a mindful walk. Focus on the sounds and sights around you.

3. No pet? Visit a friend’s animal, or volunteer at a shelter. Even short moments of connection can lift your mood.

When to seek more support

Pets are amazing companions, but they can’t completely replace human connection or professional help. If you notice ongoing sadness, anxiety, or difficulty managing daily life, therapy can help you explore what’s going on and build lasting support.

A gentle reminder

Animals remind us that calm, connection, friendship, and care are possible. Their presence can ease stress and bring joy, but it’s also okay to need more than that.

Hi, I’m Anna

I specialize in helping people strengthen emotional connection and find calm in everyday life.

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Article sources and further reading

• Brooks, H. L., et al. (2018). The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Psychiatry.

• McConnell, A. R., et al. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

• Nagasawa, M., et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science.