Owning a pet can be an incredibly rewarding and beneficial experience, offering companionship, unconditional love, and even health benefits. For pet owners and those considering adopting, understanding the profound impact pets can have on mental health is essential. Let’s dive into the many ways pets contribute to mental well-being and how rescue animals can, in turn, rescue us.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Support
Did you know that pets help reduce stress and anxiety? The simple act of petting an animal can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are indicators of reduced stress. Megan Mueller, associate professor of human-animal interaction at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine said “Pets provide a powerful sense of purpose—a routine and a responsibility to care for another living creature… That can provide a driving force for getting someone out of bed in the morning.” (Harvard)
Pets are fantastic at providing emotional support. During difficult times, the presence of a pet can offer comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness. This emotional bond is particularly beneficial for those experiencing depression or anxiety, as pets offer a non-judgmental ear and unconditional love. For people who may need more consistent support with tasks, an emotional support animal can be used to help, and require much less training than a service animal. More on ESA’s later in the article!
Encouragement of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is crucial for our mental health, and pets, especially dogs, can be great motivators. Walking a dog provides routine exercise, which can enhance mood and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. The American Heart Association notes that dog owners are more likely to meet daily exercise requirements than non-pet owners. In Philadelphia, walking pets in a park or other green spaces may also lead to increased levels of relaxation and calm. We recommend walking dogs on the various trails you can find in the Wissahickon and Fairmount Parks for a great walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You could also join a local pack walk such as the Northwest Philadelphia Pack Walk to expand both you and your dog’s community.
Social Interaction and Community
Owning a pet can also increase opportunities for social interaction. Dog parks, pet training classes, and veterinary visits can lead to new friendships and community connections.These interactions can help with social isolation, a common issue that worsens mental health problems. Having a dog with you can also make you feel more protected while walking in the city, thus making it more comfortable to go on walks for exercise and enjoyment. “Encountering an unknown individual with a small or medium-sized dog is apt to increase feelings of safety in such settings.” (Psychology Today). People with mental illnesses often see their social groups shrink and find themselves alienated from their friends… ‘[Pets] don’t look at the scars on your arms, they don’t question where you’ve been. ‘ The pets provided more than just emotional support and companionship, participants said. The animals also could distract them from their illness, even from severe psychosis. One study participant placed birds in his closest social circle. When he was hearing voices, he said that they “help me in the sense, you know, I’m not thinking about the voices, I’m just thinking of when I hear the birds singing.”
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a unique role in mental health care. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training but are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals to individuals with emotional or mental health conditions. ESAs provide companionship and alleviate symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and certain phobias. They help create a daily routine and offer a sense of purpose, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues (Verywell Mind) (PositivePsychology.com). You can ask your therapist or other mental health care providers about how you might benefit from an ESA.
How Rescue Animals Rescue Us
Adopting a rescue animal not only saves the animal’s life but can also significantly enhance the adopter’s mental health. Rescue pets often form strong bonds with their owners, offering deep emotional connections and a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that one has provided a loving home to a previously homeless animal can foster a sense of purpose and boost self-esteem.
Rescue animals, having experienced abandonment or neglect, can be incredibly loyal and loving. Their resilience can inspire and motivate owners, reminding them of the power of compassion and second chances. Moreover, the act of caring for a pet can distract from personal worries and help individuals focus on the present moment. For example, fostering a litter of kittens can bring a sense of fulfillment and personal pride when the kittens are adopted.
Conclusion
The mental health benefits of owning pets are vast and well-documented. From reducing stress and anxiety to encouraging physical activity and social interaction, pets can significantly enhance their owners’ well-being. Emotional support animals, in particular, offer tailored benefits for those with specific mental health needs. Adopting or even fostering a rescue animal can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing a sense of purpose and a deep emotional bond. For those considering pet ownership, the positive impacts on mental health are compelling reasons to take the leap.
By integrating a pet into your life, you may find that not only do you rescue them, but they rescue you too. If you’re ready to boost your health and add a furry friend to your family, Morris can help! Learn about all of our adoptable animals here. For more detailed information about health and pets, you can visit the sources used in this article, below:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- “About Pets & People.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html.
- Harvard University
- Mueller, Megan. “The Benefits of Pets for Human Health.” Harvard University, 2021, www.harvard.edu/the-benefits-of-pets-for-human-health.
- American Heart Association
- “Pets and Your Health.” American Heart Association, 2021, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life/pets/pets-and-your-health.
- Psychology Today
- “The Psychological Benefits of Pets.” Psychology Today, 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201504/the-psychological-benefits-pets.
- Verywell Mind
- “How Emotional Support Animals Help.” Verywell Mind, 2021, www.verywellmind.com/how-emotional-support-animals-help-4843148.
- Positive Psychology
- “The Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet.” Positive Psychology, 2021, www.positivepsychology.com/mental-health-benefits-owning-pet.