As you scroll through this article it is highly likely that you have a sweet companion near, on, beside, or walking all over you and/or the device you’re trying to utilize at this moment. Why? Well, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over fifty-nine million people in the US own dogs and over forty-two million own cats, with millennials leading the way with 76% of pet ownership in 2024. Though, while every pet you welcome into your safe and loving home matters (rabbits, small mammals, birds, and beyond), most research is conducted on the ownership of dogs and cats, which will be the focus of discussion in this article, however, this is not to say that some of these wonderful mental health benefits are not equally attainable with your loved one, whether it be scaly, slimy, or fluffy.
There are many official titles that your pet could obtain as a professional love bug and stress reliever; however, there are also positive impacts we benefit from every day within our own homes while interacting with our pets, without a fancy title or certification. In 2019, a researcher by the name of Cynthia Chandler published the Eight Domains of Pet Owner Wellness: Emotional and Physical Nurturance, Sense of Responsibility and Purpose, Companionship, Social Interactions, Personal Values/Spiritual Meaning, Fun/Play, Physical Health (timely dissemination of these domains, as within a year from publication the world would drastically lose connection with anyone outside our homes, and our pets became our support, solitude, and companions). These eight domains of ownership highlight the sense of responsibility and motivation our pets can bring to us, even on difficult and dark days when we may be struggling with anxiety or depression symptoms. Research shows that the intuitive nature of our pets, knowing when we are low, sad, or anxious, is one of the findings that is most closely correlated to positive experiences of support and connection with our pets. One of the most touching pieces of research, in my dog-loving opinion, is that the human and dog brains are capable of “neural coupling” within as little as five days of spending time together and making eye contact with your dog. This bond is so beautiful and found to be “human-led”, so, remember this the next time you need connection or support, pet your sweet and make mutual eye contact, and feel the benefits of reduced stress and improved mood. Additionally, these feel-good hormones are also released in your dog, thus, reducing their stress also (can you even?!).
Some of the more commonly discussed benefits of pet ownership include physical activity, laughing and an outlet for being playful and creative, socialization when at a dog park or on a walk, having companionship to explore new places (a new hike, trail, or location), and the decreased cortisol levels that come with outdoor time and movement. Being a pet owner also allows for a sense of belonging for both parties, a sense of trust, and a reliability of love and provisions.
As someone who has been lucky enough to be a pet owner and experience these benefits, I also have firsthand experience with the deep connection with a pet and simultaneously feeling challenged. And, as any responsible pet owner should, we must also acknowledge the challenges to pet ownership and assess if it is the best time for you and where you are in your journey.
Cons/Considerations for Ownership:
Finances:
I know we are all familiar with this one, however, it is an important one. Pets are expensive from their food, to emergency vets or chronic health concerns, to professional training, down to the things you want to spoil them with like treats and toys. Consider if you feel financially ready for any increased or unexpected costs.
Animal Lover and Therapist Tip: Weigh out if the stress of finances would overwhelm your ability to be the best pet parent you could be, not because of desire but because of logistics. If you feel financial stress would take over your life, make a list of what would need to change financially before you decide to get your pet. Remember, we may want to utilize a pet to help us through personal difficulties, but we also have to be ready to help them through theirs.
Animal Lover and Therapist Tip: Volunteer at local shelters! If you are unable financially for pet ownership, there are numerous shelters and organizations that you can support with time and engagement with animals, from reading to them to walking them, and you can still have the mental health benefits in these experiences, as dopamine and serotonin are quickly released hormones.
Your Mental Health:
Where are you on your journey with mental health? Are you aware of what activates your symptoms? Would adding in a kitten, puppy, or other animal increase your reactivity to others or frustration with yourself? The training days of upbringing animals are hard ones–think about discussing coping and grounding skills with your therapist before becoming a pet owner. The pressure of being the sole responsibility for a living being can be overwhelming, it is natural to have doubts and fears. A tough consideration, but with love comes grief. Anticipatory anxiety and grief of forging a deep connection with a pet can be scary, practice being present and mindful in your moments and days together, work to reduce future telling and succumbing to the “when the end happens” days.
Animal Lover and Therapist Tip: Consider rescuing an older shelter animal, they may be past the days of needing intense training and are ready for love and connection., possibly with less disruption to your routine… speaking of routine.
Change to Routine:
Becoming a pet owner is a monumental change to the everyday routine. Not a morning person…uh-oh… your pup may be! Work from home? What kind of noise level or environment do you need? Back at the office? What does your support system look like or is doggy daycare or walking something you can afford? Ensure consideration of the change that your new family addition may ask and need of you.
Animal Lover and Therapist Tip: Make a list of your “Hard No’s/Not Changing” items of your life and routine and then “Yes, Capable for Change” items. Give yourself time to process what are rigid or malleable items on these lists. Remember, some of the benefits of pets are how they challenge and motivate us with movement, the responsibilities we must meet for them even when we need a push, and the love they may show us that we have never received before.
Pet ownership is an undeniably beautiful thing, it is truly a privilege. It can be complex and the journey at times tough, we end relationships that we shared pets with our partners, we watch our animals age and challenge our existential fears… yet, I leave you with a quote to ready your heart and mind for whenever your journey meets readiness for pet ownership, and I hope that when you arrive you experience the joy and connection you have always sought.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”
Anatole France