How Animals Improve Mental Health

Interacting with pets has measurable benefits for mental health, as studies show it increases oxytocin, a bonding hormone, and decreases cortisol, a stress hormone. Even brief moments, like petting a dog for two minutes or making eye contact for 15 seconds, can trigger oxytocin release, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI), including service animals, therapy animals, and emotional support animals (ESAs), play a role in mental health care. A pilot study found that people with serious mental illness who received an ESA experienced reduced anxiety and depression symptoms within a year. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained for specific tasks, meaning many household pets provide emotional support naturally. While more research is needed to fully understand the human-animal bond, pet owners frequently report improved mental health due to their pets’ unconditional love and support. In the meantime, appreciating pets for their positive impact is well worth it.