Of Fur and Friendship

We are pet people, and, as a result, we constantly have to lint-roll our clothing, and our homes can feel like circuses. Actually, Ed's looks more like a zoo, with a dog of unusual size, two inquisitive cats, countless fish, and a pet snail. (No, really. Its name is Station Master.) Tara’s house has fewer pets but is louder with two rescue dogs that are mostly chihuahua. They used to not know where their next meal was coming from, but now pout if they don’t get meat crumbles on top of their kibble.

This is all to say: Our houses can be a lot. Not just because of the noise level and fur, but because pets are a big commitment. In many cases, they are like house guests who never leave, wouldn't dream of picking up after themselves, and sometimes throw up on your rugs. And they are expensive: Outsized vet bills, prescription flea medication, and even (in the case of Tara’s pooches) prescription anti-anxiety medication for special occasions.

Yet, somehow, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, around 45 percent of all U.S. households have a dog, and about 32 percent have a cat. That means that about two-thirds of American households have a dog or a cat, which is the same proportion of eligible voters who participated in the last election. And this is to say nothing of the pot-bellied pigs, hamsters, ferrets, snakes, and other assorted creatures that live with us rent-free.

We tend to believe that pets contribute to our well-being based on our own experiences, but the scientific evidence is a bit mixed.

Positive Effects

Let’s start with all the good stuff. Many pet owners report that their animal friends lead them to feel less anxious and that their companionship helps dial down feelings of loneliness. Petting your cat or walking your dog even has benefits that carry on throughout your day. Some linked pet ownership to greater happiness and said that their pets made them feel more motivated. Which makes sense since there is evidence that pet owners tend to be more active and exercise more often.

Specifically among older adults, pets encourage socialization and decrease loneliness. They help to reinforce daily routines and build resilience. Young adults dealing with anxiety or depression also seem to benefit from pets, who help them to manage their symptoms and maintain a positive outlook on the future.

In fact, this is why many universities, ours included, bring therapy dogs to campus during the lead-up to finals week. A cuddle with a cute dog is often enough to improve students' moods and reduce stress, helping them perform better on exams.

We can attest to all of these things. It is difficult to feel lonely when a muzzle or two is (quite literally) in your face. And research shows that giving support to our dogs (i.e., paying attention to their needs) helps our well-being and curbs psychological distress. Even spending money on our pets is shown to increase our happiness. And giant dogs like Ed’s need lots of walks. That means Ed, or someone in his family, is getting out in the fresh air/rain whether they like it or not. And if COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that a walk of any kind is good for our overall well-being and mental health.

Negative Effects

Unfortunately, others experience negative emotions like stress from their pets—perhaps due to the aforementioned vet bills and the required time and attention. Additionally, pets need love, even when we don't feel especially loving. Tara’s dogs are purveyors of what she calls “aggressive affection.” Her feelings don’t count (even at 5 a.m.) because when the dogs need ear scratches, they must have them. And they mess with our plans; most dog owners can forget about jumping on those last-minute all-inclusive flight deals to Hawaii or an after-work happy hour. Research has also found that a strong attachment to a pet can have a negative impact on relationships with other humans.

Now, we realize that some people are not pet people for a variety of reasons, so we wanted to offer some fixes, no matter what the situation. Allergic to furry friends? No worries: Studies show that having a fish delivers some of the same benefits. Don’t have the bandwidth to take care of a tank? That’s OK; just watching videos of animals is good for your well-being.

For us, the only negative part of pets is that they are generally with us for a short period of time, and knowing that does not make it easier when they go. But what we have learned in our work on well-being is that a well-lived life has to contain all of the feelings: good and bad. Second-wave positive psychology teaches us that challenging or unpleasant experiences can lead to growth. In the moment, losing a pet is devastating, and the grief associated with the loss can mirror that of the death of a human. We have been there many times, and it is terrible, so all we can do is remember the joy that particular animal brought into our lives.

Animal Behavior Essential Reads

How to Train Your Dog: A Size-Appropriate Guide

The Role of Play in Animal Welfare

Pets living with us now are just the latest in a long line of good boys and good girls, and we feel incredibly lucky to share our homes with them. Their cute faces, quirky personalities, and unwavering devotion remind us daily that joy can be simple, love can be loud, and that to at least one creature on this planet, we are absolutely perfect.