Attachment and Emotional Support: Pets Are the Cornerstone of Mental Health at Every Age

Nearly half of all families in developed countries own at least one pet. And as pet owners will tell you, pets bring joy, comfort, and affection—to the point of being true pillars of your mental health, regardless of your age. And science backs them up.   A growing body of research suggests that owning and interacting with a pet can improve your health. In addition to loving you unconditionally, studies show that these wiggling, purring, or hopping furballs can lower your stress levels, keep your blood pressure in check, alleviate depression, reduce feelings of loneliness, keep you physically fit, and even help you live longer.  

A Shield Against Isolation

The most recent example supporting this claim inevitably relates to the recent period of global social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new study by the University of York and the University of Lincoln, sharing your life with a pet appears to have acted as a buffer against psychological stress during lockdown.

More than 90% of those surveyed said that their pet—whether a dog, cat, small mammal, or fish—had helped them cope emotionally with lockdown and loneliness, and 96% said their pet had helped them stay fit and active.

Lead author Dr. Elena Ratschen explains that the results demonstrated links between pet owners’ mental health and the emotional bonds they form with their pets: “ The strength of the human-animal bond was even higher among people whose initial mental health scores were lower.” And this held true regardless of the type of animal. “On average, people felt just as emotionally close to, for example, their guinea pig as they did to their dog.”  

A Particularly Strong Bond with Children

This is especially true for children. The bonds they form with pets can resemble strong human relationships in terms of affection, learning, protection, and comfort. Numerous studies show that children often turn to pets for comfort and to express their fears and emotional experiences, starting at a very young age. At ages 2 to 3, children hit, push, or grab their pets; the following year, they pet them; and by ages 5 and 6, they hug, pet, and massage their companions, just as they would interact with their parents and siblings. Children often attribute a wide range of social traits to their pets—particularly love and affection, companionship, play, intimacy, and learning—sometimes even more so than with their siblings. And the empathy, self-esteem, and social skills that stem from these interactions are clearly beneficial and complementary to family relationships. The presence of a pet thus facilitates the establishment and maintenance of relationships with peers, particularly in elementary and middle school. A pet is a true member of the family—so much so that its death can trigger a sense of deep and prolonged grief in children. This psychological distress can lead to subsequent mental health problems and serve as an indicator of depression in children and adolescents, particularly in young boys, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital.  

But Just as Important as They Grow Older

While the bond with a pet is important during one’s younger years, its significance should not be underestimated as the years go by. Their presence is particularly beneficial for people who struggle to maintain lasting friendships, especially the elderly or those with disabilities . A pet is, in fact, a constant source of healthy social stimulation that can sometimes be hard to find even in a spouse or a caregiver. In institutional settings where animals are present, older adults tend to smile and talk more, reach out toward people and objects, demonstrate greater alertness and attention, and experience more signs of well-being and less depression. A wide range of therapies thus revolves around the presence of animals to improve the health, psychosocial well-being, and functioning of older adults. These therapies focus primarily on combating depression, but data also suggest that owning a pet can improve health and reduce the need for medical care for non-serious medical issues. And older adults aren’t the only ones to benefit from these animal-assisted therapies.  

Animal-Assisted Intervention

Animals can provide strong social support both as companions and as service animals. For others, animals can serve as a unique catalyst for therapeutic success. Animals have proven effective in treating depression, as well as attention disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, autism spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress, and numerous chronic conditions. Animal-assisted intervention can complement the work of healthcare professionals—such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and psychomotor therapists—as well as social service professionals, offering another path to well-being for people facing challenges. The companionship and bond provided by a pet often go far beyond our expectations.