The Mental Health Benefits of Pets
Whether it’s a loyal dog, a curious cat, or even a low-key hamster, pets offer more than companionship — they can profoundly impact our mental health and emotional well-being. At Mend Psychology in Bridgeland, Calgary, we often hear from clients how their pets help them cope with stress, anxiety, and loneliness. These stories aren’t just heartwarming — they’re backed by science.
How Pets Improve Mental Health: What the Research Shows
A growing body of evidence supports the idea that interaction with animals — especially domesticated pets — leads to measurable improvements in mental and emotional health. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Interacting with pets has been shown to lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and calm.
🧠 A 2019 study published in AERA Open found that just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat significantly reduced stress hormone levels in college students.
2. Mood Regulation and Reduced Depression
Pets provide nonjudgmental emotional support, which is especially helpful for individuals living with depression or chronic stress. The routine of caring for a pet — feeding, walking, grooming — also helps restore a sense of purpose and structure, both of which are crucial in managing depression.
📊 According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 74% of pet owners report improvements in their mental health thanks to their animal companions.
3. Social Connection
Pets can serve as social bridges, making it easier for people to connect with others — whether it's chatting with a fellow dog owner in Bridgeland’s parks or attending local pet-friendly events in Calgary.
For people struggling with isolation or social anxiety, pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase opportunities for interaction.
Pets and Children’s Mental Health
Children and adolescents can experience profound benefits from animal companionship. Pets help younger clients:
Learn empathy and responsibility
Manage emotional outbursts through calming interactions
Cope with divorce, loss, or transitions with added support
Research also shows that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit from having pets, particularly dogs, in improving social responsiveness and anxiety regulation.
Considerations Before Getting a Pet
While the benefits are clear, it’s also important to recognize that pet ownership is a commitment — emotionally, financially, and logistically. Stress can increase if:
A person is not emotionally or physically able to care for the animal
Housing or lifestyle circumstances are unstable
There is unresolved trauma related to loss of a previous pet
Our psychologists at Mend Psychology can help clients explore the emotional readiness for pet ownership and process grief or guilt if they’ve lost a beloved animal companion.
Living Well with Pets in Bridgeland and Beyond
Bridgeland is one of Calgary’s most pet-friendly neighbourhoods, with access to dog parks, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. At Mend Psychology, we know that the bond between humans and animals is more than emotional — it’s therapeutic, healing, and often transformative.
Whether you already have a furry friend or are considering adding one to your life, we’re here to support your mental health journey — paws and all.
📍 Serving Calgary and surrounding areas from our clinic in Bridgeland, Mend Psychology offers individual, couple, co-parenting and trauma-informed care, in person and virtually.
Ready to Prioritize Your Mental Well-Being?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, loneliness, or emotional regulation, and your pet plays a role in your healing — or you'd like to explore the impact of animal connection in therapy — reach out today.
🗓️ Book a consultation with Mend Psychology in Bridgeland and take the next step toward well-being, with or without a wagging tail by your side.