If you’ve tried to adopt a new pet over the last few months you probably encountered an unusual phenomenon: animal shelters in California and across the country cannot keep up with the demand for adoptable pets! That this is happening should not surprise us, as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has, alongside its documented mental health impacts awakened an unprecedented need for companionship during a period of isolation. 

Those of us who have pets at home can of course speak to the feelings of affection and companionship our furry friends offer us, but is there science to back up the positive impacts pets can have on our mental health? Turns out that yes, there is!

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) have looked into what they call “The Pet Effect” — the human-animal bond that can form between humans and their pets — and found that there’s a mutually beneficial relationship that does wonders for the health and wellbeing of both the pet and their owner.

Pets can help their owners with issues around motivation: certain conditions, like depression, anxiety, and stress, can make it harder to motivate ourselves when it comes to our own care, but the needs of our pets can do wonders for encouraging us to complete tasks — and fulfilling our pets’ needs can reinforce notions of our own value. A dog placing his head on our lap to thank us for his kibble breakfast or a cat purring on our lap to let us know she is enjoying our warmth and companionship act as simple and clear reminders of our worth.

On an even more basic level, pets’ physical presence can have a calming effect, as stoking a pet, for example, allows us to have a moment of relaxation amidst a stressful day. Pets can also combat mental health impacts of loneliness by sharing our daily routines, giving us a constant sense of companionship in our daily life.

The positive impacts pets can have for owners with mental health problems stick around, as well: a 2016 study found that pets can help with long-term management of mental health conditions both through distraction from symptoms and by adding the security of a routine, which can provide emotional and social support. 

If you’re new to pet ownership, it’s important to be discerning when selecting your new companion if you’re interested in the mental health benefits that can come with owning an animal. Studies have shown that the greatest positive impact for our mental health comes when we consider our pets as members of our family, so choosing a pet that is a good match for you and your lifestyle is important. The more you love your pet, and the more it suits your lifestyle, the better it will be for your mental health — so try your best to spend time with a potential animal before adopting it to make sure your new pet is a good match for you. Don’t worry too much, though: nearly 100% of pet owners report that they think of their companions as members of their family.

It is also important to manage your own expectations when choosing a new pet. While dogs have the strongest association with increases in wellbeing, both mental and physical, they are also the most work! Dogs are great companion animals, but if you think you would struggle to provide the best care for your pet you might undo the positive effects and end up feeling like your dog is a burden. Looking for a pet who best matches your lifestyle is the best way to make sure that you and your new family member are happy together. What does all this mean? Well, that happy feeling you get when you’re holding your bunny or watching your beta fish swim in the reflecting light is a very real feeling; the “chats” you have with your cat as you move about in your daily routine aren’t just silly, but are instead moments of companionship that likely positively impact your mental health.

While pet ownership alone is not a treatment for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, your relationship with your pet can be a valuable asset in your mental health hygiene [link to other blog], and can add to your general wellbeing. Keep putting in those adoption applications in the knowledge that you’re not just re-homing an animal in need, but are also taking care of yourself!