Interactions between pets and humans trigger a whole set of “happiness mechanisms”: petting a dog or cat increases oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin levels, while decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure.
These physiological changes make people feel more secure and accepted. Therefore, in states of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, animals often serve as a bridge for people to reconnect with the world.
Daily Companionship: The Owner’s “Emotional Safety Net”
For most people, the role of their pet is actually “long-term, stable companionship.”
Regular feeding, walks, and grooming times create rhythm in a chaotic day, making people feel capable of caring for others and in control of a small part of their lives. This is especially helpful for people facing anxiety or low moods to regain a sense of order.
Furthermore, pets don’t judge your vulnerability. You can cry, remain silent, or even say nothing in front of them. That experience of being “allowed to be vulnerable” is itself a form of healing.
From Companionship to Professionalism: What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
When animal companionship is incorporated into the framework of medical or psychotherapy, it becomes “animal-assisted therapy,” or more broadly, animal-assisted intervention. This type of therapy involves trained animals and professionals working together to assist individuals of different ages in coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and even traumatic experiences.
Studies show that just a few minutes of interaction with a therapy dog can reduce patients’ pain, anxiety, and depression, and even improve their subjective perception of overall health; blood pressure and heart rate also decrease significantly.
Besides dogs, cats, horses, and even small animals are increasingly being used in schools, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation settings, helping to improve emotional stability, concentration, and willingness to interact with others.
Long-Term Effects of Pet Ownership on Psychology and the Brain
Living with pets long-term not only affects mood but also subtly impacts brain development and the rate of aging. Some studies indicate that people who have long-term relationships with animals experience lower stress levels, higher life satisfaction and social connection, and better tolerance for loneliness.
Some studies have also found that stable pet ownership habits are associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia, as if pets are an invisible protective layer for the brain, delaying the slowing and degeneration caused by aging.
Of course, not every study concludes that “pet ownership necessarily improves mental health.” Some data remind people not to see pets as a panacea, but rather as part of a “life support system,” requiring collaboration with resources such as therapy and social support for a stable effect.
Before Loving It: Responsibility and Boundaries Heal Yourself
Pets bring healing, but also a heavy commitment. They need regular care, medical attention, and companionship, which can sometimes become another source of stress for those whose mental state is already very vulnerable.
Before deciding to bring an animal into your life, honestly assess your time, financial, and emotional resources. If necessary, discuss with a mental health professional, viewing your pet as “a member of your supportive care program,” not your only lifeline, so that you neither let it down nor fail to take good care of yourself.
