● Nearly two-thirds of American homes now include an animal companion. The 2025 APPA State of the Industry Report finds 94 million U.S. households, about 67 percent own at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023 and just 56 percent in 1988. American Pet Products Association1
● The pandemic pet boom hasn’t faded. A 2024 Forbes Advisor poll shows 78 percent of today’s pet owners acquired their animal during the COVID-19 years, confirming that the comfort of a furry friend became a priority for millions. Forbes2
● Pets and peace of mind go hand-in-hand. In a February 2024 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, 84 percent of owners said their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health. American Psychiatric Association3
Pet Ownership Is Still Rising — and It’s Good News for Mental Health
By, Dr. Marlene Siegel
A Bond Thousands of Years in the Making
Archaeologists have uncovered a 12,000-year-old grave in Israel where a human was buried cradling a puppy, evidence that emotional ties to animals stretch deep into our past. Cats joined us soon after; a 9,500-year-old burial on Cyprus shows felines living alongside the first farmers, likely helping with pest control and providing companionship.
Why Sharing Life with Pets Helps Us Thrive
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Benefit |
How It Supports People & Pets
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Physical Health |
Dog walks, agility, hikes, and play raise activity levels, helping lower human blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. |
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Mental & Emotional Health |
Interaction releases oxytocin, the same “bonding hormone” shared between parent and child, reducing loneliness, anxiety, and depression. |
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Social Connection |
Pets spark friendships at parks, online groups, and community events, giving owners a sense of purpose and belonging. |
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Therapeutic Roles |
Service and emotional-support animals aid veterans with PTSD, warn diabetics of low blood sugar, and calm children with autism. |
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Security |
A barking dog deters intruders and alerts families to danger. |
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Spiritual Well-Being |
Animals draw us into the present moment, reconnecting us to nature and to a larger web of life. |
A Thoughtful Commitment
Yes, pets require time, training, space, and lifelong financial care. Yet for most guardians, the return on wellbeing dwarfs the costs. Recent research shows pet parents willingly cut other expenses before giving up quality food, veterinary care, or enrichment for their animals.
Take-Home Message for Mental Health Month
Whether scaled, feathered, or furry, the animals who share our homes buffer stress, anchor routines, and remind us to love and play. As the data above show, bringing a pet into your life or supporting animal-human programs in your community, can be a powerful strategy for better mental health for people, pets, and the planet.
A big thank you to Dr. Marlene Siegel for her thoughtful article on the powerful mental health benefits of sharing life with a pet. From ancient bonds to modern science, her insights remind us how much pets enrich our lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For more inspiring articles like this, visit our US Wellness Meats Discover Blog and explore a wealth of knowledge to support your wellness journey.
References
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American Pet Products Association. (2025). The American Pet Products Association (APPA) releases 2025 State of the Industry report. https://americanpetproducts.org/news/the-american-pet-products-association-appa-releases-2025-state-of-the-industry-report?
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Forbes Advisor. (n.d.). Pet ownership statistics. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/?
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American Psychiatric Association. (2023, March 15). Pets offer mental health support to their owners. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/pets-offer-mental-health-support-to-their-owners?
