Ask any pet owner how their animal makes them feel and you'll probably get a smile before you get an answer. For many of us, coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat is one of the best parts of the day. But can a dog, or any pet, really make you happier? And what does the research actually say about pets and mental health?
The short answer is that pets can lift your mood and bring routine and company, but they aren't a cure. In this guide, we look at how animals can support our wellbeing, what UK studies have found, and where the evidence is less clear. We'll also show you how you could turn your interest in animals and mental health into a rewarding career.
How pets support our mental health
It's no surprise that so many people feel close to their animals. The bond we form with them is often described as two-way, and we explore where it comes from in our guide to animal and human bonding.
Mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness says animals can help reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure, and boost your mood. It also points to some less obvious benefits, which is where a lot of the link between pets and mental health really shows.
A sense of purpose. Animals need feeding, exercising and caring for every day. That routine gives structure to your day and a reason to get up in the morning, which can help when things feel difficult.
Company and comfort. Pets can be a calming presence, especially for people who live alone. Having a companion that's pleased to see you can make a real difference to how connected you feel.
Confidence and social contact. Rethink notes that animals can improve self-confidence and encourage social contact. Anyone who's walked a dog knows how often a conversation starts with "What's their name?"
Are dogs good for mental health?
It's a question a lot of people ask, and the honest answer is that dogs can be very good for many people's mental health, but they aren't a cure.
The strongest UK evidence comes from the Covid-19 lockdown. A study by the Universities of York and Lincoln surveyed around 6,000 people in the UK. More than 90% of pet owners said their animal helped them cope emotionally, and 96% said it helped keep them fit and active. The researchers also found that people with poorer mental health reported stronger bonds with their pets.
Part of the link between dogs and mental health is simply that dogs get us moving. A daily walk means fresh air, exercise and time outdoors, and many owners say those walks are when they feel most relaxed.
So, are dogs good for mental health in every case? Not always. A later University of York study, published in 2023, looked at 170 people with severe mental illness. It found that living with an animal didn't improve wellbeing or reduce depression, anxiety or loneliness compared with people who didn't have one. Even so, more than 95% of owners in that study said their pet gave them companionship, consistency and made them feel loved. The researchers said the bond is undoubtedly very important in people's lives, even if it isn't a reliable way to improve symptoms.
When it comes to dogs and mental health, the takeaway is a balanced one. A dog can bring real comfort and routine, but it's a big commitment, and it works best when your circumstances suit one. The same is true of pets and mental health more widely.
Dogs and stress relief
Many people turn to their dogs when life gets stressful, and it's easy to see why. Stroking a calm dog, getting out for a walk or simply having company in the house can all help you switch off. Rethink lists feeling calmer and more relaxed among the ways animals can support wellbeing.
That said, dogs and stress relief don't always go hand in hand. A dog that's ill, anxious or badly matched to your lifestyle can add stress rather than reduce it. The York researchers found that the pressure of caring for an animal during lockdown may have cancelled out some of the benefits for people with severe mental illness.
Pets and anxiety
If you live with anxiety, a pet can offer a steady, reassuring presence. Many owners say focusing on their animal's needs helps pull their attention away from anxious thoughts.
It's important to keep expectations realistic, though. Pets and anxiety can be a complicated mix. Rethink lists possible downsides of owning an animal, including the emotional distress when a pet becomes ill or goes missing, allergies, and the cost of food, insurance and vet bills. Its advice is to think carefully before getting a pet.
Some people with anxiety have an emotional support animal. It's worth knowing that in the UK, assistance dogs have legal rights under the Equality Act 2010, but Rethink explains that emotional support animals don't have the same legal protection. That means shops and other places can refuse them entry.
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Animals and mental health beyond the home
The link between animals and mental health doesn't stop at pet ownership. Trained animals and their handlers visit care homes, hospitals, schools and prisons to support people's wellbeing. You'll usually hear this called pet therapy, and it's part of a wider professional field known as animal assisted intervention.
Formal therapy is led by qualified health or care professionals. Behind every good session, though, is someone who knows how to plan it safely, pair the right animal with the right person, and protect the animal's welfare throughout.
Turn your interest into a career
If you're fascinated by how pets and mental health connect, the Level 3 Diploma in Animal Assisted Intervention could be your next step. It's an Ofqual regulated qualification, studied online and at your own pace, with tutor support.
The course covers the health and wellbeing benefits of interventions, your legal duties, roles and responsibilities, and how to match people with the right animal. There's also a two-day practical with a dog, which you arrange yourself.
It's worth being clear that this is a qualification in intervention rather than therapy, so it won't make you a therapist. It will give you the knowledge to work or volunteer in this field responsibly, or to carry on studying animal or canine care.
As a learner, you'll also get access to the learndirect: Community Hub app. It's a space just for learners and alumni of the learndirect Digital Group, where you can join topic-specific communities and swap ideas with people who share your interests.
Ready to find out more?
Visit the Level 3 Diploma in Animal Assisted Intervention course page for full details, including fees and payment options. Or call our course advisors on 01202 006 040, or send us an enquiry and we'll be happy to help.
