How Pets Boost Health and Happiness: What Science (and Kevin the Cat) Teach Us

Apr 28, 2025

“Pets aren’t magic, but they come pretty close”

Before we brought a pet into our home, I might have said that... but I wouldn’t have felt it.

We got a cat. And honestly, calling it "owning" feels wrong—Kevin is just part of the family now.

It started like it usually does: the kids begged, the parents caved, and somehow this little ball of fur filled a space we didn’t even know was there.

Now it’s not the kids who keep an eye on him—it’s me and my wife.
"Has Kevin eaten?" "Where’s Kevin hiding?"

It’s wild how fast it happens. One day it’s a favor; the next, it’s love you can’t imagine your house without.

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Pets are good for your health.”

That’s not just something dog people say at the park—it’s backed by real research.

But being honest, not every study agrees. So what do we actually know?

Pets Strengthen Our Physical Health

The fact of most of dog owners walking more is probably the clearest link between pets and better health. People who walk their dogs are more likely to stay active, which improves cardiovascular health.

Fewer doctor visits. In Germany and Australia, national surveys found that people who consistently had pets visited the doctor about 10–15% less often than non-owner.

Not a dog person? Even just having an animal around can increase movement, reduce sedentary behavior, and add small but meaningful changes to your day.

Mental health: wins you might not expect

Think of your pet as part therapist, part best friend, and part workout buddy.

Stress relief is real. Pet owners consistently report lower levels of stress and anxiety, especially those who live alone.

Better coping during hard times. And it was particularly true during lockdown stress.

Mood lift and less loneliness: Pets offer nonjudgmental companionship. That connection can brighten daily life, especially for older adults and people facing social isolation.

Now, you might be wondering—if this is all true, why don’t doctors just “prescribe pets”?

Fair question.

It’s not all black and white

Some research throws cold water on the warm fuzzies.

Some studies found pet owners had worse self-rated health and slightly higher overweight.

In a study of older Australians, pet owners—especially women—reported more symptoms of depression and used more pain meds.

So what’s going on?

Some people might already be struggling with health or loneliness and turn to pets for comfort.

That flips the cause-and-effect question.

Here’s the cheat code: Pets help when the match is right

Not every pet helps every person.

But when the bond clicks, the benefits are real.

The most consistent wins show up in people who walk their dogs regularly.

People with strong emotional ties to their pets report better mental health and more resilience.

Pets can offer structure, routine, and motivation—especially for those who need it most.

So before you adopt, ask yourself:

Will I walk it?

Will I talk to it?

Will I clean up after it?

If yes, that pet might be your best health hack yet.

Takeaway:

Pets can improve your health, mood, and even strengthen your heart—if you treat them like family and not just accessories.

References

Chopik, W., Oh, J., Weidmann, R., Weaver, J., Balzarini, R., Zoppolat, G., & Slatcher, R. (2023). The Perks of Pet Ownership? The Effects of Pet Ownership on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic.. Personality & social psychology bulletin, 1461672231203417 . https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231203417.

Headey, B. (2003). Pet ownership: good for health?. Medical Journal of Australia, 179. https://doi.org/10.5694/J.1326-5377.2003.TB05646.X.

Jennings, L. (1997). Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership in Health Promotion. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 15, 358 - 372. https://doi.org/10.1177/089801019701500404.

Koivusilta, L., & Ojanlatva, A. (2006). To Have or Not To Have a Pet for Better Health?. PLoS ONE, 1. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0000109.

Machová, K., Procházková, R., Vadroňová, M., Součková, M., & Prouzová, E. (2020). Effect of Dog Presence on Stress Levels in Students under Psychological Strain: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072286.

Ogechi, I., Snook, K., Davis, B., Hansen, A., Liu, F., & Zhang, J. (2016). Pet Ownership and the Risk of Dying from Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults Without Major Chronic Medical Conditions. High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention, 23, 245-253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-016-0156-1.