The role of pets & animals in supporting mental health

Written by Sophie Wilkins | Research Volunteer TBYM UK

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Animals are a big part of many people's lives, with around half of UK adults owning a pet (PDSA, 2024).

It is well-known that engaging with animals can have many positive effects on our mental health, and pets in particular have been shown to improve mental health, providing a sense of responsibility, companionship and even the reduction of anxiety (PDSA, 2020). This is shown by a reduction in levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, as a result of engaging with a pet (NIH, 2018). Many also experience an increase in levels of social interaction as a result of having a pet. They can aid in social connection with others through a shared interest, or encourage their owner to go outside where they will encounter other people (MHF, 2022).

In particular, for those living with a mental health condition, having a pet or interacting with animals can have many positive impacts. For example the aforementioned routine that an animal provides can be particularly beneficial to those who live with mental health conditions like depression, which can make maintaining a routine challenging (Robinson, 2017). This sense of routine and responsibility can also benefit people with ADHD (MHF, 2022).  Similarly, the increased physical activity associated with some pets can have a beneficial effect, as exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression (Dolan, 2024). The social interaction associated with owning a pet, alongside the sense of companionship they provide in themselves can also help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness (Smith, 2012), which are often associated with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression (DCMS, 2022).

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy which involves interaction with both an animal and the therapist. Animals like cats and dogs are often used for clients with anxiety and/or depression, but many types of animals from horses to guinea pigs may be utilised in sessions. Interacting with the animals can give people a sense of connection as well as having a calming effect (Holroyd and Urwin, 2025). The presence of an animal can help talking to a therapist feel less direct and daunting, making people more inclined to open up, and AAT works on the principle that animals trigger positive psychological and physiological effects in humans (NHS, 2024). 

Therapy animals are pets that are owned by volunteers who are taken into places like hospitals and schools so that the benefits of an animal on a person's mental health can be felt by those who do not own, or are separated from, a pet of their own (PAT, 2025). Therapy dogs in schools have been shown to help children with confidence, social skills and emotional regulation, alongside improving mood (Baird et al., 2023). While animals taken into hospitals have been shown to help with depression, anxiety and stress, as well as increase socialisation (Barchas et al., 2020).

In conclusion, engaging with animals can have positive impacts on our mental health, and there are multiple avenues for people to feel this benefit, even if they do not, or cannot have a pet of their own. This is particularly true for those living with a mental health disorder.