Do Pets Make Us Happier People? The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Having a Pet
Ask almost any pet parent and they’ll tell you that happiness is a wet nose and vibrato purrs. But that’s not just “crazy cat lady” or “doting dog dad” speak: There is real science to back it up!
The benefits of having a pet date back at least 15,000 years—to when humans first began affectionately caring for domesticated animals. It’s easy to picture early humans relying on dogs for protection, herding, and hunting, and cats for keeping homes free of pests and rodents. Over millennia, animals were selectively bred to thrive alongside us, deepening the emotional bonds we share today.
While pets still support our practical needs, their most profound modern role may be emotional: They make us happier—and the evidence is compelling.
Pets Can Actually Make You Stress Less
As if you needed another reason to stay in bed and cuddle your dog or cat—there are serious, research-backed mood-boosting benefits to pet ownership.
“Pets certainly make people happier. They help people relieve stress, have more of a purpose in life, and keep themselves in a routine,” says Natalie Buchwald, LMHC, founder and clinical director of Manhattan Mental Health Counseling in New York. “In a 2019 Washington State University study, researchers discovered that just 10 minutes of cuddling or stroking a pet led to a significant decrease in cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone.”
So every time you paused to pet a friendly pup on the sidewalk? You were quietly supporting your mental health.
Psychologist Nadia Ameri, founder of The Flower Apothecary in Agoura Hills, California, emphasizes how meaningful those findings are—especially when considering non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing depression or anxiety. She also points to research from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, which found that 74 percent of pet owners reported improved mental health thanks to their pets.
During periods of heightened stress—like the global pandemic—those benefits became even more apparent. A May 2020 study by FurPetVo revealed that 45 percent of surveyed pet owners said their household’s happiness increased while spending more time with their pets during stay-at-home orders. Another 39 percent credited their pet with lowering their anxiety and uncertainty amid widespread disruption.
Now, Let’s Get Physical
We know reduced stress feels good mentally—but it also delivers powerful physical benefits. Chronically elevated cortisol levels are linked to heart disease, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and even memory challenges. Keeping cortisol in check isn’t just calming—it’s protective.
Having a pet often encourages more movement, too. As Buchwald notes, pets bring structure to our days—prompting us to rise earlier, step outside, and get active.
“Pets often need to be brought outside or walked, which has a positive impact on their parent’s well-being—if only for the additional steps and sun-derived vitamin D received from being outside,” she explains.
Consider it a bonus wellness perk—courtesy of your furry companion.
First-Person Proof
Proud dog mom Joanne Brickles can attest to the life-changing impact of her pup, Milky, whom she adopted in June 2014. “As cliché as it sounds, she’s my best friend. Not only does she know when I’m happy and sad—she knows when I need a boop!” says Brickles.
“She’s helped me with so many things, like becoming a responsible adult, as well as health issues like anxiety, depression, and weight management,” she continues. “And it’s not just me who noticed the change—friends have commented on how much happier I seem since Milky came into my life.”
Mary Brockmeier, a devoted pet parent to six cats and two dogs, echoes that sentiment. “Cats have always been a part of my life, and when I hit low points, my cat Nala is always by my side,” she shares. “She was a foster fail—sent back by two homes—only to choose me. Every day, she makes me feel unconditionally loved.”
“She knows when I feel sick, when I feel down, when I feel alone,” Brockmeier adds. “Whether she’s being silly—stealing rubber bands from my hair—or laying on my lap and purring, singing for treats, or just sitting nearby, she brings a smile to my face.”
Looking for Puppy Love? Read This First
If this has inspired you to consider adopting a pet—that’s wonderful! But adoption is a meaningful, long-term commitment. Most pets will be part of your family for a decade or more, so thoughtful preparation is essential.
“It’s important to be prepared with the time and resources to make your new pet feel comfortable,” says Buchwald. She recommends potential adopters reflect on these key questions before bringing a new companion home:
- How much space do I have indoors and outdoors?
- How often will I be home to care for my pet daily?
- Do I have the budget for veterinary care, training classes, and everyday essentials?
A pet can bring immeasurable joy and fulfillment—but true companionship means prioritizing their well-being as much as your own.
Once you’re confident you can meet those needs, you may just find yourself on a joyful, lifelong journey—one filled with tail wags, gentle headbutts, quiet purrs, and countless moments of pure, uncomplicated love.
