There’s something undeniably comforting about the way a dog looks at you after a long day, or the soothing purr of a cat as it curls up besides you. While pet owners have long claimed that animals make life better, recent scientific studies now back those claims with solid evidence. Owning a pet does not just fill your heart, it has the power to reshape your mind, routine, and even your sleep.
Here is a look at how and why pets help manage stress, reduce screen time, and improve sleep, according to the latest research.
- Pets Calm the Mind: Lowering Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol Down, Oxytocin Up – One of the biggest stress hormones in our body is cortisol. Multiple Studies now show that simply petting a dog or cat can lower cortisol levels significantly. At the same time, it boosts oxytocin-the “bonding hormone” that helps us feel connected and calm. According to a study from Johns Hopkins University, spending as little as 10 minutes interacting with pets can reduce stress hormone levels in children and adults.
Support for PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression– Animal Assisted Therapy is no longer an alternative trend, it is now a respected form of emotional support. A 2023 report found that over 84% of veterans with PTSD experienced improved mood and reduced anxiety after being paired with trained service dogs. Nearly 40% were able to reduce their medication as a result. The quiet companionship of a pet provides comfort without judgement, helping people feel emotionally safer, especially in times of loneliness or emotional exhaustion.
People Prefer Pets Over Partners for Comfort- A recent global survey by Mars Pet Care and Calm (the popular meditation app) revealed that 65% of people find it easier to de-stress with a pet than with their partner. In India, that number rose to 82%, with most participants saying their pet helps them stay grounded during emotionally intense moments.
- Companionship and Emotional Support
One of the most immediate ways pets help reduce anxiety is by simply being there. Loneliness is a powerful trigger for anxiety and depression, and the presence of a pet can alleviate feelings of isolation. Pets are non – judgmental, loyal, and always happy to see us – qualities that are invaluable when we are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Animals also help create a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be especially beneficial for people struggling with depression. Feeding, grooming, or walking a pet can give structure to the day and provide small, achievable goals that foster a sense of accomplishment.
- Pets Reduce Screen Time – Today’s children spend more time on screens than ever before. Studies show that children who grow up with pets tend to spend significantly less time glued to devices. This is because they are more likely to go outside, play, engage in physical activity, or even just lie down and interact with their furry friend-something far more emotionally satisfying than doom scrolling on instagram. According to a 2024 survey conducted in India, 92% of parents reported a noticeable drop in their children’s screen time after bringing a pet into the household. Instead of zoning out in front of screens, kids were engaging in more outdoor play, taking on small responsibilities like feeding or bathing the pet, or simply bonding through cuddles and talk.
Breaks from Work and Doom scrolling
It is not just kids. In the same Mars-Calm survey, 93% of Indian adults said their pet helped them take breaks from work or studying. Over 77% said that they used pet time to disconnect from phones, and 76% reported feeling more present and mindful because of their pet’s presence. That simple act of throwing a ball or stroking a back can shift the brain’s focus, offering an emotional reset far more powerful than social media can.
- Pets Improve Sleep – A surprising sleep aid – believe it or not, pets can actually improve your sleep quality, if boundaries are in place. According to the Sleep Foundation, nearly 79% of pet owners in India reported better sleep when their pet was near them. Many cited feelings of emotional security, reduced night time anxiety, and a lower resting heart rate when sleeping close to their pet. However, it is not always perfect. While some find comfort in sharing a bed with their dog or cat, others find it disruptive. A recent Mayo Clinic study found that about 33% of pet owners experienced disturbed sleep due to their pet’s movements or noise. However, 46% still reported that the emotional benefits outweighed the sleep disruptions.
Cats vs. Dogs: Who’s the Better Bed-mate? – Cats tend to disturb sleep less than dogs. They move more quietly and are often content sleeping nearby without causing any fuss. Dogs, especially larger or energetic breeds, may snore, shift, or even bark in their sleep, leading to broken sleep cycles for the human sharing the bed.
The Hormonal Advantage- From a biological standpoint, sleeping near pets may actually lower your heart rate, reduce cortisol, and increase oxytocin-creating a sense of physical and emotional calm that can lead to deeper sleep. Just be mindful of how much your pet is affecting your actual rest. Experts recommend placing a pet bed nearby if co-sleeping becomes too disruptive
- Mindfulness and Living in the Moment- One of the more subtle but profound effects of being around pets is how they anchor us to the present moment. Animals do not worry about tomorrow or regret yesterday. They are fully engaged in the now – whether it is a cat watching a bird, a dog sniffing a tree, or a rabbit munching on a carrot. Being around animals can encourage mindfulness in humans. Watching a pet’s behavior can remind us to slow down and pay attention to our surroundings. Many therapeutic practices for anxiety including cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation rely on mindfulness as a foundational tool. Pets offer a natural and accessible way to practice it daily.
- The Power of Unconditional Love- Perhaps the most impactful emotional benefit of pet ownership is the unconditional love animals provide. When you are anxious or upset, your pet does not criticize, interrupt, or give unsolicited advice. They simply stay by your side. This kind of emotional support, free of judgment or expectation, can be incredibly soothing. For people who struggle with self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness – common symptoms of anxiety and depression – the consistent affection and loyalty of a pet can serve as a powerful reminder that they are loved and needed.
A Steady Anchor in an Unsteady World- Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is being integrated into treatment plans for everything from addiction recovery to autism to eating disorders. The unconditional love and structure pets provide help re-establish routines, ground people emotionally, and create a steady rhythm in a world that often feels chaotic.
Just remember: Pets are not therapy tools-they are living beings. The relationship should be mutual and non transactional. They require just as much love if not more and trust me, if you are pet owner or are planning to be one, it will just naturally come to you. When you open your home to an animal, you are also opening your heart and sometimes, that is the healing we did not even know we needed.
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By Aastha Shah