The Human-Animal Bond and Mental Health

May is Mental Health Month, an important time to spotlight efforts to support mental health. The good news is that the human-animal bond, our mutually beneficial relationship with our pets, can serve as a mental health lifeline for people of all ages and situations. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), with vital support from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), is funding scientific research and working hard to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of pet ownership.

HABRI-funded research has found that interactions with dogs can reduce anxiety in children[1], and for families of children with autism, a pet dog[2] or a pet cat[3] can help improve children’s anxiety and improve family functioning. One of HABRI’s active research studies from the University of Georgia is investigating the impacts of a shelter cat fostering program on mental and emotional health in older adults living independently alone[4]. HABRI is also proud to be funding a pilot study with additional support from Pet Partners and Mars Petcare to examine whether targeted therapy dog interventions may reduce loneliness and improve well-being in psychiatrically hospitalized patients with a mental illness[5].

Interaction with pets can be especially helpful to people managing a long-term mental health issue. The dependable presence of a pet helps reinforce a stable, secure routine, and the act of caring for a pet can positively influence self-perception as a good pet owner[6].

A new survey asked pet owners from across the United States about awareness, attitudes and behavior related to the human-animal bond. These results, announced at Global Pet Expo, capture the growing strength and importance of the human-animal bond, particularly for mental health and wellness. The survey found that 87% of pet owners say they’ve experienced mental health benefits of pet ownership, which is a 13% increase since 2016[7]. 64% of pet owners have had a conversation with someone in the last year about the health benefits of owning a pet, including discussions with co-workers, friends and family and pet store employees. Even more exciting, one-in-five pet owners have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist.

With so many people buzzing about the benefits of pets, doctors and therapists included, APPA members are well-positioned to amplify these conversations. As trusted providers of essential supplies, services and information for people and pets, the pet care community is integral to supporting the human-animal bond. Together, for Mental Health Month and all year long, we can make the strong case for a more pet-friendly society that fully embraces pet ownership as an essential element of mental health and wellness.

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[1] Crossman, M. K., Kazdin, A. E., Matijczak, A., Kitt, E. R., & Santos, L. R. (2020). The influence of interactions with dogs on affect, anxiety, and arousal in children. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 49(4), 535-548.

[2] Hall, S. S., Wright, H. F., Hames, A., Mills, D. S., & PAWS Team. (2016). The long-term benefits of dog ownership in families with children with autism. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 13, 46-54.

[3] Carlisle, G. K., Johnson, R. A., Wang, Z., Bibbo, J., Cheak-Zamora, N., & Lyons, L. A. (2021). Exploratory study of cat adoption in families of children with autism: impact on children's social skills and anxiety. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 58, 28-35.

[4] Healthy Aging: Human Companionship Through Fostering Felines

[5] A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Loneliness and Related Health Outcomes in Patients with Mental Illness

[6] Brooks, H., Rushton, K., Walker, S., Lovell, K., & Rogers, A. (2016). Ontological security and connectivity provided by pets: a study in the self-management of the everyday lives of people diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition. BMC psychiatry, 16(1), 409.

[7] HABRI Survey of Pet Owners https://habri.org/pet-owners-survey/