Are pets good for our mental health?

Recent research on how pets affect mental health is uncovering the complexity of the relationship. Pets help increase physical activity in older adults, provide comfort and companionship to children, improve our feelings of well-being, and support emotional regulation. Yet the burden of care can take a toll on women, who are usually the primary caregivers. 

The science behind the bond

The bond we share with our pets often feels too deep for words. For me, that bond is with Toby. I adopted Toby from the county shelter after he had been found as a stray. From the moment we met, I knew he was my "dog soul mate." Whether we are taking a walk or practicing dog yoga, Toby is vital to my well-being.

As an animal behavior scientist, I often look at the data behind these feelings. Does science support the idea that pets improve our lives? I reviewed four recent studies to gain a deeper understanding of how pets affect our daily mental health. The findings show that while the human-pet bond can be profound, the benefits are as complex as the relationship.

The power of the walk: health in older adults

A nine-year study of over 10,000 adults in Australia aimed to see how dogs influence aging (Adams et al., 2025).

The Study: Researchers evaluated participants’ reports of dog walking, physical activity, psychological well-being, psychological distress, and loneliness in those with and without a dog.

The Results: Dog owners walked significantly more than non-owners—about 20 to 25 extra minutes per week. Women were more likely than men to have a dog and walk with it. However, mental health measures did not differ between groups with or without dogs.

The Takeaway: Physical health may be improved in older adults who regularly walk their dogs. Dog ownership or walking was not a major driver of psychological well-being or distress in this study. Other research has shown improvements in mental health, but the findings vary by population and measurement methods.

 

The "maternal load" of new puppies

A UK study examined families who brought puppies home during the COVID pandemic (Belshaw et al., 2025).

The Study: Researchers surveyed 382 caregivers and 216 children about their experiences.

The Results: In this study, 95% of the puppy caregivers were adult females. Children loved the physical affection with the puppy, providing a playmate which was helpful due to the decreased social interaction during the pandemic. However, 37% of caregivers found that caring for a puppy was harder than expected. The study identified a "maternal mental load," where the primary caregiver takes on the stress of puppy management.

The Takeaway: Most children derive comfort and happiness when living with a dog. Yet the toll of caring for a new puppy can be significant for first-time pet parents.

 

Specialized support: pets and emotional regulation

New research from Thailand explored how pets help university students with symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (Khattiya et al., 2026).

The Study: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 346 university students. They measured BPD symptoms, loneliness, and the quality of life among pet owners versus non-owners.

The Results: The study found that students with BPD symptoms who owned dogs reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of positive feelings than those without pets. There was no difference for those with cats. The researchers noted that pets provide a "stable attachment figure." This helps students regulate their emotions during the high-stress college years.

The Takeaway: For those who struggle with emotional stability, a pet offers a unique, non-judgmental presence that human peers may not always provide.

 

Attachment vs. anxiety: the "crutch" effect

A systematic review looked at how "attachment" to a pet relates to mental health (Northrope et al., 2025).

The Study: The team analyzed patterns in 116 peer-reviewed papers.

The Results: In general, most studies reported that higher attachment to a pet was associated with better well-being, quality of life, or happiness. Strong pet bonds (especially an anxious attachment) were often associated with worse outcomes in mental health symptoms in adults. Children with strong attachment to a pet usually have positive mental health outcomes.

The Takeaway: A deep bond with a pet can improve well-being, but unhealthy attachment may worsen mental health in adults. 

 

Interpreting the science: what this means for pet owners

You might notice that research studies don’t always come to the same conclusions. Comparisons between studies are difficult due to differences in methodology. And making simple statements often misses the important nuances of a complicated social relationship. 

For example, some studies link having a pet to higher stress or worse mental health. This doesn't mean the pet is the problem. Instead, it suggests that people in distress often seek out the comfort of a dog or cat. The pet may not be causing the anxiety, but it may be helping the owner survive it.

There are messages for pet parents to consider from these studies:

Keep Moving: Physical activity is a bridge between pet ownership and mental health.

Share the Load: If a new pet feels overwhelming, share the caregiving tasks to reduce "maternal load."

Appreciate the Stability: If you feel an intense bond, recognize your pet as a vital tool for emotional regulation.

Consider the Impacts on Children: Pets provide social stimulation, unconditional love, and exercise, which have outsized benefits for children.

Toby will always be my soul mate. He's even the inspiration behind Blue Toby! Science may not yet measure the exact "magic" of a dog’s love, but it confirms that our pets are fundamental partners in our health journey.

 

Citations

 Adams, E. K., et al. (2025). Dog Ownership, Physical Activity, and Mental Health in Mid-to-Older Aged Adults: Findings From the HABITAT Cohort Study. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. https://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/10.1123/jpah.2024-0797

Belshaw, Z., et al. (2025). More than just one man and his dog: The many impacts of puppy acquisition on the mental health of families including children in the UK. PLoS One. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12443288/

Khattiya, K., et al. (2026). Association between pet ownership and mental health in university students with borderline personality disorder symptoms. BMC Psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12895926/

Northrope, K., et al. (2025). The Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12023967/