Pets are like family - they need love, care, and attention, just like we do. What makes them special is that caring for them is never one-sided; we humans get plenty of love and loyalty in return - a warmth that can boost our mental and physical health and lift our spirits.

There are plenty of science-backed reasons why having a pet is good for us. From lowering the risk of heart attacks to easing loneliness, these loyal companions bring countless benefits into our lives. Let’s look at a few of them.

Better mental health

Through both emotional support and practical responsibilities, pets can boost our mental health in meaningful ways. You may have noticed that your pet never fails to sense when you’re feeling down — it’s their instinct to comfort you, curl up beside you, or nudge you with love. Animals have real therapeutic power, which is especially helpful for people dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

That’s the emotional side. On the practical side, caring for a pet means daily tasks that keep us grounded. Feeding them, walking them, and meeting their needs helps build a routine — and having this structure can make people with mental health challenges feel more responsible and in control, which often carries over into other parts of life.

Pets also give us a sense of safety and routine within a relationship, which strengthens feelings of stability. They help push away distractions and can ease tough symptoms like hearing voices, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming negative thinking.

Better physical health

When it comes to physical health, every bit of movement helps. Maybe you don’t have time to hit the gym every day, but taking your dog out for a walk twice a day definitely counts as exercise.

Pets can also have a positive effect on blood pressure. Some studies, like those from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), even suggest that owning a cat may help lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The best friend for the elderly and patients

Studies show that older people often find social and emotional support in their pets, which helps them cope with loneliness and depression. Besides encouraging physical activity and lowering stress, pets can even help manage chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Experts say spending time with pets can ease pain for patients with various illnesses. These patients often respond better to treatment and say their overall quality of life improves when they have an animal by their side.

Interesting case

The positive impact of animals on our health isn’t just theory — there’s real evidence behind it. For example, a 2018 study showed that pets can influence us and our kids in ways we might not expect.

In that study, researchers looked at teenagers with diabetes. One group took care of fish — feeding them twice a day, checking the water level, and cleaning the tank every week — while the other group didn’t have any pets at all.

The results were clear: the teens who looked after fish checked their blood sugar levels more often and paid closer attention to their own health overall.

So, pets do far more for us than just keep us company — they help us stay healthier and even support kids in building social connections. Really, the only reason not to get a pet might be if you’re allergic to fur — otherwise, there’s every reason to welcome a new furry family member into your home.