The American Psychiatric Association (APA) in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) presented the results of a study regarding the impact of pets on their owners' mental health. The survey was conducted from February 6 to 9, 2024, among 2,200 adult respondents.
According to the survey results, nearly two-thirds of pet owners perceive their pets as "true friends" and feel unconditional love and support from them (65%). More than 84% of study participants are confident that animals have a positive impact on their mental state.
More than 62% of respondents noted that their pets help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, pets contribute to maintaining physical activity (35%), structuring daily routines (29%), and establishing social connections with other people (19%).
“I regularly recommend to my patients suffering from alcohol, drug, or technology addiction to get a pet. We are also receiving more and more data on the significance of animals in the recovery process from depressive or other psychiatric disorders,” emphasized APA President Petros Levounis in a publication on the association's official website.
AVMA President Rena Carlson noted that veterinarians are "direct witnesses to the strong bonds between people and their pets, as well as the positive impact that pets can have on their owners' emotional well-being."
However, respondents also mentioned some negative aspects. For example, 76% express concerns about the aging or early death of their pets. Owners are also worried about health issues (67%) and the need for pet care during travel (67%).
Of the 2,200 respondents, 44% identified as dog owners, 15% as cat owners, 30% stated that they love both dogs and cats, while 10% admitted that they do not like either. At the same time, cat and dog owners were more likely than others to claim that their pets positively affect their mental health (86% and 85%, respectively), compared to owners of other companion animals.
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