Pet lovers have long known that the companionship of a cat or dog is one of life’s great joys.
This fact alone is surely good enough for most pet people, but now science is proving it, especially when it comes to our mental health. In various studies, pets have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lower feelings of depression and isolation, provide a person with a sense of purpose, and so much more.
As writer Mark Cushing put it, in an interview with Rover about his book, “Pet Nation: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy, “If you wonder why you feel better hanging around your cat or dog, it’s because you actually do.”
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, this article series explores the powerful connection between pets and human mental health, and the many positive benefits of the human-animal bond.
