May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we can nurture our mental health and support one another. While there are many avenues for emotional care—therapy, medication, mindfulness—one powerful and often underappreciated ally in this space is the companion animal. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit or even a bird, pets offer more than cuddles; they can play a crucial role in supporting emotional well-being.

The Human–Animal Bond

The relationship between humans and animals is ancient and deeply rooted. Over the years, this bond has evolved beyond practical needs like hunting and herding. Today, pets are companions, family members, and even emotional lifelines.

Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boost oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and trust (Beetz et al., 2012). This neurochemical shift contributes to a sense of calm and well-being, which is particularly beneficial in managing anxiety and depression.

Companionship and Routine

One of the greatest challenges people face during periods of poor mental health is isolation. Pets help bridge that gap. They offer non-judgemental companionship, giving people someone to care for and interact with regularly. This is especially important for those living alone or struggling with loneliness.

Moreover, pets often instil a sense of routine. Dogs need walking, cats need feeding, and all pets need attention and care. These daily tasks encourage individuals to get out of bed, stick to a schedule, and engage in purposeful activity—all of which can support recovery from mental health challenges.

Physical Activity and Social Connection

For dog owners, in particular, walking their pet provides built-in exercise, which has long been linked to improved mental health. Physical activity boosts endorphins, which naturally elevate mood. But dog walks can also lead to increased social interaction. Casual chats with other dog walkers or visits to the park provide moments of connection that can brighten a person’s day and reduce feelings of isolation.

Emotional Regulation and Support

Many pet owners report that their animals seem to sense their emotions. While pets may not understand sadness or anxiety in the way humans do, they often respond to cues in body language and tone, offering presence and comfort. Stroking a pet has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and simply having a pet nearby can act as a grounding tool during moments of panic or distress (McConnell et al., 2011).

Therapy and Emotional Support Animals

In more formal settings, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining traction. In this structured approach, trained animals are used alongside mental health professionals to support treatment goals. Additionally, some individuals benefit from emotional support animals (ESAs), who provide consistent companionship to those with chronic emotional or psychological conditions.

Not a Cure-All, But a Powerful Aid

It’s important to acknowledge that pets are not a replacement for professional mental health care. However, they can be a complementary source of emotional support, promoting resilience, reducing stress, and improving quality of life.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded to check in with ourselves and those around us. For many, the wag of a tail or the purr of a cat is more than a moment of joy—it’s a form of healing.

References

• Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234

• McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239–1252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024506

• American Heart Association. (2013). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: A scientific statement. Circulation, 127(23), 2353–2363. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829201e1