HOW PETS LIFT US: THE QUIET POWER OF AN UNSPOKEN BOND
Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and even improve our sleep.
A study conducted at Washington State University found that just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat significantly reduced cortisol levels - the hormone associated with stress - in college students.
Other research highlighted by Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates that simply petting a dog lowers cortisol levels, while the social interaction between people and their dogs increases oxytocin—the “feel-good” hormone, leading to reduced blood pressure.
Watching fish swim in a tank has been shown to lower our heart rate and induce calm, so it’s no wonder we feel better after time spent with our pets.
Our emotional health also benefits too.
A 2024 survey of 2,000 UK pet owners, commissioned by Purina, found half of those people said their pets had supported them through major life challenges such as grief, break-ups and general overwhelm, with 54% saying that spending time with their pet felt like a form of therapy.
So, if you’ve ever cried into your dog’s fur or whispered your worries to your cat, you’ll almost certainly relate to this.
Of course it’s not just dogs and cats that provide us with support.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other small pets can all bring comfort, connection and joy into our lives.
Guinea pigs are known for their friendly nature and the excited ‘wheeking’ sound they make when they know food’s on the way - a kind of happy squeal that always raises a smile.
Rabbits can be incredibly affectionate once they get to know and trust us, with their gentle, playful nature having a calming effect.
Then there are birds that can bring colour and song into a quiet house and fish, although they can’t be stroked or cuddled, offer a peaceful, almost hypnotic presence that can be deeply soothing.
Studies have shown that people with aquariums at home may experience reduced anxiety and improved mood.
For those of us who live alone, the presence of a pet can be truly life-changing.
That constant companionship and knowing there’s another living being sharing the space with you, can make all the difference to our wellbeing.
Not only do pets provide routine and responsibility (hugely stabilising when you’re going through a rough patch), but they give us a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a reason to talk, to move, to care, and that truly matters.
If you’ve ever felt isolated, you’ll know how powerful it is to have a pet meet you at the door or simply sit with you while you have a cup of tea.
That human-animal connection can break through the silence in a way nothing else quite can.
It’s not all one-sided either. The RSPCA reminds us that animals are sentient - they feel joy, fear, pain and affection.
So when they sit with us quietly, when they seek us out for a cuddle, when they mirror our energy, they're responding with care too. It's a beautiful, mutual bond.
Many UK organisations, including National Pet Month, know just how important this bond is. It’s at the heart of what we do and why we do it.
Organisations like Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, Blue Cross, Battersea and the RSPCA all share stories of animals transforming human lives - not just through cuddles and companionship, but through giving people back a sense of purpose, love and connection.
So next time you’re curled up on the sofa with your animal companion, please take a moment to really appreciate the silent support they offer every day of their lives.
This National Pet Month let's celebrate the cuddles, the companionship and the countless ways they make our lives better.
If you’re thinking about welcoming a pet into your home, here are some great places to start:
Why is your pet such a great companion? Tell us, email us at [email protected] and share a pic so we can feature you in our #PetPawsitivity graphics throughout National Pet Month
