National Pet Month 2024: Companions For Life
Our pets are arguably the ultimate companions. Whether we’re grouchy or gleeful, happy, or sad, having a good day or struggling, they’re there beside us, 24/7.
The first week of this year’s National Pet Month campaign focuses on companionship.
Our pets don’t care what we look like, what car we drive, or how much money we have in the bank.
They love spending time with us, whether we’re exploring new places, working, or tucked up at home under the duvet.
Their constant companionship, come rain or shine, is precious, particularly for those of us living alone or battling with our physical or mental health.
“Our animal companions provide companionship, affection and protection and unique bonds are formed with us,” says Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive at UK Pet Food, one of the co-ordinating organisations of National Pet Month, along with NOAH.
“In addition to being a source of love and friendship, there have been numerous scientific studies analysing the many ways in which pets are good for our health.”
Having pets in our lives has been consistently linked to better mental health and reducing loneliness.
The human-animal bond and the companionship that comes from it is timeless and strong, as numerous studies reveal.
2024 pet population data, unveiled by UK Pet Food in March, shows that emotional benefits appear to be a strong draw for today’s UK pet owners.
Over a third surveyed (39%) confirm their pet benefits their family’s mental health, with around half of owners over 45 saying they would be lonely without their pet.
One fifth of owners would like to see pets available on prescription, while one-quarter of owners admit that they enjoy time with their pets more than with their family members.
UK Pet Food research also showed that more men are opting to adopt adult cats. Over the past four years, 27% of men have chosen to take on an adult cat as a pet, compared to 18% of women. This translates to 1.5m new male households benefitting from the addition of an adult cat, compared to around 1m female households.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, says: “This year’s findings prove again the huge popularity of pets in the UK. As the owner of an older cat, I was particularly interested to see that more men are adopting older cats! There could be all sorts of reasons for the increasing popularity of our furry and aquatic companions, but this year’s research highlights the profound therapeutic impact of pets.
“Pets play a significant role in our homes; they help combat loneliness and they can have a positive effect on our mental health. We were pleasantly surprised to see that one-fifth of those questioned are calling for pets to be available on prescription. We couldn’t agree more.”
These Latest statistics build upon previous research showing the companionship power of our pets.
Feathered friends can also be great companions. In 2006, research among 144 older people in an Italian care home showed that taking care of a pet bird reduced depression.
In a world that can feel like a very lonely place, our animal companions have the amazing ability to bridge the social gap.
Research conducted among 1,160 single people over 65, revealed a link between owning a dog and reduced social isolation as well as reduced loneliness, according to an Aging Mental Health, 2019 report.
Not only does animal interaction help to reduce loneliness and depression, it also helps facilitate social interactions, according to a Habri Research survey from 2019, involving over 2,000 people aged over 55.
Sometimes just the simplest of actions like walking the dog can have the biggest benefits, connecting us with our neighbours and strangers.
The companionship power of our pets can also reduce loneliness among those living in care homes, with pets providing invaluable social support.
An Aging and Mental Health Study in 2015 revealed that both cats and dogs were essential in the fight against loneliness, while psychological reports have shown that just five minutes of stroking a pet can help reduce stress levels.
With so much evidence to show just what incredible companions our pets can be, it’s no wonder the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. Long may it continue.
National Pet Month: April 1-May 1, 2024
www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
17.2 million households (60%) house one of the UK’s 36 million (non-aquatic) pets in 2024.
There are 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats in the UK in 2024 - an increase of 1.5m each.
38% welcomed a new pet into 10.9 million homes over the last four years.
Figures quoted from UK Pet Food’s 2024 Pet Population Survey.