You’ve probably heard that having a furry friend can help your mental health. In fact, one study found that pet owners had better coping skills, had a stronger sense of self-efficacy (a person’s belief in their ability to succeed in a particular situation), experienced more positive emotions, and had overall better psychological well-being. As a dog owner, I can fully confirm that cuddling with my dogs at the end of the day brings a sense of calm and ease to my nervous system and melts away stress. Today, we’re going to talk about how having a pet as a companion can ease depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.

How do I know if a pet is right for me?

It’s important to consider if you have the time and resources to devote to taking care of a pet. Pets require attention, love, energy, and financial resources— so make sure you can give them that before committing. The best way to know if a pet is right for you is by researching and consulting with your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you decide if a getting pet is a good choice for you, and which type of pet would be the best fit.

What types of pets are good companions?

Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits — they’re all great options! It really depends on your lifestyle and the type of pet that best suits your needs. If you’re looking for a cuddly companion, cats and dogs are great choices. If you have limited space in an apartment or dorm, smaller animals like fish or hamsters can be perfect companions too.

Do pets help with loneliness?

Owning a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It has been linked to increased moods and feelings of joy and comfort in numerous studies. One study found that pets reduce depression and loneliness in older women. Pets can be great companions, but they can’t communicate with us the same way humans can. Pets do not replace human-to-human interaction. Although pets help us in many ways, I don’t recommend ditching your friendships or family for a pet. The people who love you will still want to see you, talk to you, and spend quality time with you. Plus, as humans, we feel our best when we sense calm and ease. This often facilitates social engagement with the people we care about.

A few things you should take into consideration:

• First, you need to check and make sure wherever you live allows pets. Check your lease agreement and clarify the rules regarding pets. Some landlords restrict the size or breed of the pet. You also need to assess if your landlord requires a pet deposit. Read your lease carefully, or have an attorney review it for you. Please, DO NOT go against your lease agreement and assume that an emotional support letter will help your situation. Most therapists do not write emotional support letters and even ones who do usually require a lengthy therapeutic relationship and a diagnosis that necessitates an emotional support animal. Yes, we understand that your dog or cat offers emotional support, but this is very different than a verified emotional support animal. 

• Assess the lifespan of the pet you plan to get. For example, a dog is approximately a 15-year commitment. A beta fish, on the other hand, is roughly three years. For example, if you know that in three years you will be relocated for work to a place where you cannot take your pet, getting a dog right now will only cause heartbreak for you and the dog when you have to re-home it. Many dogs end up in shelters because owners did not have the finances, time, or lifestyle that could accommodate the pet they adopted. 

• Finally, take a hard look at your finances. Do some research on the type of pet you want. What supplies do they need? What are the average costs of veterinarian services and food? What is the cost of boarding or pet sitting? Does this pet need regular grooming? These are all important considerations to help you choose a pet that fits your current life. 

What if I decide a pet isn’t right for me?

Congratulations! You did your homework and set healthy boundaries. It is better to say no to a pet than to take on one that you ultimately can’t care for. There might be a time in your future that allows time and resources for a pet. You could also use the extra time you would spend caring for a pet to volunteer at local organizations. Your community likely has organizations that serve homeless or underserved pets where you could spend time with animals without taking on a pet full-time. Rescue groups often need foster families to house dogs or cats for a few weeks to a few months at a time as they await adoption. This could be a good option for someone who can’t make the long-term commitment required to have a pet, while also spending quality time with animals. 

I know someone who would benefit from a pet—what can I do?

You can send them this blog, call them and offer support, and invite them to spend time with you doing something you both enjoy. Please don’t give them a pet as a gift! Although this is a well-intentioned gesture, pets are a long-term commitment. Even when people might benefit emotionally from the connection to a pet, the strain and stress of caring for it might outweigh the good.

Give your friend the space to find their own source of comfort, even if it isn’t a pet and you think it might help them.  Support is often the best gift of all. When someone is ready for a pet, the best thing you can do is offer to come over and help them pick out their new companion. Offer to drive them to the animal shelter or store, and help with research and supplies. Most importantly, be present in their journey when they do get a pet. Support them through all of the joys and challenges that come with pet parenthood.

We are always here to help people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or loneliness. We understand the stress caused by the demands of our modern life and are here to walk with you on this journey. Our clients report feeling happier, more connected to their friends and family, and more compassionate toward themselves. If you are ready to start living life with less anxiety and more ease, reach out and let us know how we can help.