Owning a pet is a big commitment. It’s an expensive one too – with the PDSA calculating dog ownership costing anywhere between £6,2000 and £18,800 over Fido’s lifespan.
But while dogs need to be walked, hamster cages need to be cleaned out, and fish tanks need to be washed, the benefits of owning a pet far outweigh any negatives. Countless studies have shown caring for an animal brings multiple mental health benefits, including:
Reducing anxiety
Pets can be great companions, offering unconditional love – and we feel it right back. Studies show owning a pet lowers our levels of stress hormone cortisol, and boosts our levels of the feel-good ‘love’ hormone oxytocin. Pets also make us feel good because they never criticise or judge us, which can increase your confidence and sense of self-worth.
Lower blood pressure
Studies have shown people with pets have lower blood pressure when under stress than those without pets.
Reducing feelings of depression
Playing with a cat, dog, or any pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine – the ‘happy’ chemicals that make us feel calm and relaxed.
Increasing your physical activity
Dog owners are likely to walk their pets for a walk or run every day, meaning it’s not just Rover who benefits from pounding the pavement, not to mention getting some vital Vitamin D – you do too!
Help you meet new people
Have you ever seen a dog that was so cute you started talking to their owner about them? Dog owners will tell you that happens all the time. Plus, dog owners inevitably end up chatting to each other as their pets gambol about together or they see each other on their regular walks. Not got a dog? We all know cats like to wander into neighbours’ houses, and some even like to steal from them! So chances are your moggy will end up introducing you to your neighbours one way or the other. We also know the internet is crazy for pets, and there are countless online groups for pet owners and animal lovers to chat and even meet up.
Providing structure
Pets can also be hugely beneficial for people with ADHD, as caring for an animal imposes structure and routine. For children with hyperactivity, having a dog to run around with can be a great way to turn off energy.
Likewise, children and adults with autism can benefit from owning a pet, as they can help regulate your emotions. Stroking a pet can calm and soothe the nervous system, and having a dog in public settings can increase a sense of confidence and security.
Not got a pet?
Of course not everyone is able to own a pet, for a myriad of reasons. But if, like me, you’re a dog lover, there are still ways to get your doggy fix. For many years I walked an adorable dog called Bruce for the Cinnamon Trust – a fantastic charity that supports elderly and terminally ill people with pets. Not only do they use volunteers to walk dogs, but you can also foster pets too. You can also volunteer at an animal shelter, or contact a pet sitting organisation to see how you can get involved.