Pets and your mental health: the benefits of the human-animal bond

It’s been a long day. You’re finally pulling into the driveway of your home. You turn the car off, gather up your belongings and head inside.

You open the door and there, your four-legged companion is waiting, so excited to see you. You drop your things and pet their furry little head while they show you all the love in the world. You smile, forgetting about your long day … even if just for a moment.

If you’ve ever owned a pet … you know there’s no feeling in the world like it. And no matter the type of pet — furry, feathered, scaled or otherwise — the bond between humans and animals is uniquely beneficial.

Here are a handful of just some of the many mental health benefits owning a pet can help provide.

Pets help you feel grounded and focused.

Daily pet duties such as feeding, exercise, grooming and bathroom routines add structure to your day. This type of everyday structure gives your day purpose and a sense of achievement.

Pets can boost your self-confidence.

Most of us can admit that we talk to our pets, right? They’re the best listeners! They love us unconditionally and they won’t criticize. It may sound silly, but having this kind of support — even from your pet — can make you feel heard and understood.

Pets can improve your physical health.

This is especially true if you have a dog. Most dogs need daily walks, which means you get exercise, too. It’s well documented that exercise releases the endorphins in your brain that make you feel happy.

Pets can help you feel wanted and needed.

Your pet relies on you to love them and take care of all their needs. This sense of feeling wanted and needed is particularly valuable if you live alone.

Pets can reduce anxiety.

There are many ways in which pets can reduce anxiety … these are just a few: They help you focus on the present rather than the worries of yesterday and tomorrow. Your brain releases endorphins that make you happy when you see them. They can often sense when you’re feeling anxious or upset and have a natural disposition to help calm you down.

Pets provide sensory stress relief.

Touch and movement are both effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety on the spot. Petting or playing with your pet actively lowers your blood pressure and shifts your focus away from your stressful thoughts in the moment.