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Pets are more than our companions. Science demonstrates that the health benefits of the human-animal bond can have a positive impact on every stage in life. Pet ownership can help keep us healthy and improve our quality of life as we age.


  
 

Taking care of a pet can reduce loneliness and increase our feelings of self-worth. For many, pets provide a sense of meaning and order to our day and make us more likely to stick to a routine.1

Part of this routine directly impacts our physical health: exercise. Pets can encourage regular exercise, either through walks or play, which is good for our cardiovascular health.

People who own pets have been found to be at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease than those who do not, possibly because they have lower levels of stress and are more likely to get their daily physical activity.2


Pets can also provide us emotional support. Research shows they can buffer our response to stress as we age and help us cope with extreme stress.3

Self-report data has reliably shown that pet owners rate their social support system and quality of life higher than non-pet owners.4,5


The human-animal bond has been studied for decades, and the research is clear: the more you take care of your pet’s health, the more your pet takes care of you. Ask your vet about the human-animal bond at your next visit!

  

References
1. Baun, M., Johnson, R., and McCabe, B. “Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice.” Fine, AH Ed. (2006). 2. Levine, G.N. et al. "Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association." Circulation 127.23 (2013): 2353-2363. 3. Cherniack, E.P., and Cherniack, A.R. "The Benefit of Pets and Animal-Assisted Therapy to the Health of Older Individuals." Current gerontology and geriatrics research 2014 (2014). DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2. 4. Garrity, T.F. et al. “Pet Ownership and Attachment as Supportive Factors in the Health of the Elderly.” Anthrozoos 3.1 (1989): 35-44. DOI: 10.2752/089279390787057829. 5.Bao, K. J. and Schreer, G. "Pets and Happiness: Examining the Association Between Pet Ownership and Wellbeing.” Anthrozoos 29.2 (2016): 283-296.