We know our pets are our best friends. But did you know they’re good for your wellbeing – both mentally and physically?
We discuss the ways our dogs, cats and other fluffy friends improve our health and happiness.
Exercise and socialisation
Pets are great at getting you up and about, whether that’s a walk in the fresh air or playing some games with your cat indoors.
Plus, they help you socialise – 37% of people we surveyed said that owning a pet has led to them talking to more people while out about.
Maybe it’s a quick hello while on a dog walk, or a proper chat from a pet-lover who’s spotted your fluffy friend – whatever it is, they keep you socialised.
In short, pets help improve both your mental and physical wellbeing.
Routine
We all know it can be hard to set good habits and stick to them.
When you have a pet, especially a dog, you find you have to create a routine to keep them fit and happy. That means regular walks and set mealtimes.
It gets you into good habits that you keep every day, meaning you’re getting exercise, fresh air, and just have a bit of routine in your day to keep you organised.
40% of people we surveyed said having a pet has given them more structure in their daily routine.
Companionship, love and comfort
Maybe the most obvious way our pets contribute to our happiness is through companionship and love.
In fact, 97% of people we surveyed said their pet is a part of their family, while 94% said their pet improves their overall wellbeing.
Just having your pet around is known to increase your happiness and comfort in your day-to-day life.
Whether that’s a quick cuddle or just having a fluffy friend to keep you company day-in and day-out, our pets help keep us happy and settled.
Our study: how do pets boost our wellbeing?
We teamed up with personal trainer and TV personality Livi Sheldon and Queen’s University Belfast to run a fun study exploring how pets can pawsitively boost our mental wellbeing.
Livi tracked her heart rate during interactions with her dogs – including being away from them and reuniting – to see what affect they have on her wellbeing.
The feel-good results will be available on Livi’s Instagram on Wednesday the 30th of July - watch this space!
What do the vets say?
Nicki Fox
Nicki Fox is a qualified and registered veterinary nurse, RVN CertVNECC APVN (Wildlife). She says:
“Our pets can significantly enhance our mental and physical wellbeing by providing companionship, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing physical activity, and promoting social interaction.
“They can also help tackle depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and contribute to overall satisfaction in life.
“Personally, my dogs mean the world to me and have helped me through some tough times in my life.
“They are my best friends, my therapists, and my work-out buddies. They keep me organised, accountable and on my toes!’’
Rory the Vet
Rory Cowlam, AKA Rory the Vet, is a veterinary surgeon and TV personality. He says:
“This research just supports exactly what I see on a day-to-day basis. It’s no surprise to me as a vet and a pet owner that 94% of pet owners say that pets improve their mental and emotional health.”
“I see this every day in the clinic – people rely on their pets as they would rely on their family. We truly are a nation of pet lovers.”
The survey was done in April 2025 and was given to 2,002 cat or dog owners from across the UK.
