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There’s no doubt. Our affinity for animals can be deep, enriching and enduring.

But did you know that this human-animal bond is much more than a warm fuzzy feeling?

Pets provide numerous benefits to our mental health. From reducing stress to easing loneliness, studies show just how transformative a close kinship with an animal can be.

So we thought we’d deep dive into the research. Here are five reasons why pets are so great for our mental health and wellbeing.  

But first, pets are a responsibility

Research shows that human-animal bonds have a positive impact on people’s mental health.

However, pets are a long-term, serious investment. So the responsibilities of caring for a pet should be carefully considered before jumping in.

It’s important to not impulsively fall into pet ownership, as adopting when one’s not ready can increase stress for both owner and pet.

Of course, one should also be wise about where they source their pet from. With approximately 200,000 dogs and cats euthanised in Australia’s animal shelters and pounds every year, adopting not shopping is really the way to go.

So before adopting, ask yourself:

• Can I manage my pet’s day-to-day needs?
• Can I afford to pay for my pet’s food and vet bills?
• Can I take long-term responsibility for my pet?

If the answer’s no to any of these, then now’s probably not the right time.

Instead, try:

• Pet sitting for a neighbour or friend
• Fostering a rescue cat or dog that needs a temporary home
• Volunteering or donating at a local animal shelter
• Watching and feeding birds in your garden

But for those ready to take home a pet – or those who already do – here are five reasons to love pets even more!

Pets help…

1. Provide comfort and companionship

From loneliness to heartbreak to a downright bad day, pets offer us companionship and joy when we need it most.

Research has even found that when humans cry, their dogs will also feel distress. More than this, the dogs will try to do something to help.

Pets can also be a walking and breathing confessional booth; a safe zone to offload feelings without judgement or burden.

Pet owners often report feeling a sense of unconditional love and non-judgment from their pets. And this unconditional love can offer us a world of emotional stability and reassurance – helping people cope in the most difficult times.

2. Reduce stress

Pets don’t just provide comfort. They can also alleviate stress.

In fact, patting cats and dogs is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. It also triggers the release of a relaxation hormone in your body, while decreasing your stress hormone levels.

And the best part? Petting your cat or dog also soothes your pet, according to Alan Beck, Director of the Centre for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University.

But of course, pets aren’t just limited to furry friends. Some people opt for fish or birds as pets. And they are excellent at reducing stress too.

In fact, a study found that staring at a fish swimming around for five minutes is almost hypnotic, increasing feelings of relaxation, and decreasing heart and muscle tension.

3. Keep us active

Another benefit of pets is that they encourage us to get outside into nature.

But it’s not just the time spent walking the dog that does wonders for us.

Research shows that dog ownership is associated with more recreational walking overall. Owning a dog also puts one in much greater stead to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.

4. Increase our social interactions

On top of helping someone stay active, pets can also facilitate social interactions.

Dogs, in particular, are natural icebreakers. And any dog owner would know the amount of conversations they’ve started with strangers over their precious pooch.

Research shows that pets can facilitate nonverbal social interactions, such as smiling or gazing at others.

But it goes further than that. One study demonstrated that dogs can facilitate closer relationships in the courting process.

Owning a pet is also an opportunity to join a new community such as an online dog lover group. There, individuals can bond over their shared passion, expand their social circle and ease their loneliness.

5. Offer a sense of purpose

Finally, pets can provide meaning and a feeling of responsibility to people’s lives.

The simple act of caretaking or training an animal can make individuals happier and relieve loneliness and depression.

Why? Because having a pet rely on you for your basic needs can make owners feel valued and self-assured. This sense of duty can be incredibly helpful to people’s mental health.