5 powerful ways pets support everyday mental wellbeing
More than 60% of UK households now own a pet, with dogs leading the way with more than 15 million sharing our homes. Younger generations are driving this growth of pet ownership with 50% of 16-34-year-olds now having a dog.
These numbers point to a clear shift in who we consider to be a family member, but the real value lies in exactly how so many of these pets are shaping daily routines, emotional resilience and the way people cope with pressure both in and out of work.
As pet ownership continues to rise among the current and future workforce, there is an increasing need for employers to recognise how deeply pets influence how we think and feel on a daily basis, while tapping into the following benefits:
Social catalysts
Rather than simply offering companionship, dogs in particular act as low pressure social connectors. A walk becomes a series of small, natural interactions. Conversations in the park, familiar faces over time, and brief moments of connection that build a sense of community.
A UK survey commissioned by Purina found that 44% of dog owners have made at least one new friend when out walking their dog, while 66% said that owning a dog encouraged them to be more social with new people.
In some organisations, many of these social benefits are already being replicated into everyday working life through dog-friendly offices and therapy dog programmes that stimulate informal interaction, shared fun and boosted morale.
Buffers against loneliness
Loneliness has been described as a silent epidemic. Research by Mental Health UK found that 46% of workers would not feel confident telling a colleague if they were experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Pets do not replace human relationships, but they soften the impact of loneliness. This matters when distinguishing between social isolation and felt loneliness, where individuals may still feel disconnected despite regular contact with others.
Employers must make a more deliberate effort to bring colleagues together in ways that feel genuinely meaningful, while also recognising where today’s employees seek connection and comfort outside of work. During the lockdown, pets became an important source of companionship and, for many people, that stands today.
Emotional regulation
Pets play a direct role in regulating emotional states. Their presence can ease stress, reduce irritability, and stabilise periods of heightened strain. This is often described as ‘co-regulation’, where animals help the nervous system return to a healthier baseline.
According to an RSPCA study, 87% of dog owners said their pet improved their overall mental health. Science tells us that physical interactions with animals actually trigger the release of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, all linked to calmness, confidence, and a more positive outlook on life.
Amazingly, further research found that just looking at pictures of dogs for 5 minutes can boost a person’s overall sense of wellbeing. Encouraging employees to share pet photos and stories can be a simple but effective way to lift the mood, even for those who don’t have pets.
Restoring purpose
Pets provide a form of external responsibility that is immediate, concrete, and consistent. This can be particularly valuable during periods of burnout, grief, anxiety, or high job pressure.
Unlike routine alone, which can become passive, pet care introduces a stronger source of meaning outside of work demands. Feeding, walking, and caring for a pet creates daily structure and continuity.
Research consistently shows that routines and a sense of purpose are linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety. With a growing number of Gen Z and millennials prioritising pets over having children, employers have an opportunity to recognise pets as an alternative source of purpose and ensure that benefits are inclusive of those without children.
Gateways to the outdoors
Modern wellbeing strategies recognise the importance of getting out into the great outdoors. Better sleep, improved energy levels, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced risk of illness are all linked to physical activity outdoors, which can be as simple as walking.
From playtime in the park to longer hikes, pets naturally encourage this behaviour. Eighty percent of owners say that taking walks with their pet improves their mental health, giving them an escape from the pressures of daily life. Not only this, but 53% of dog owners are found to be going on more than eight walks a week, creating a simple but consistent mechanism for both mental and physical health.
Some workplaces already see the value in this, incorporating local animal charities into their corporate volunteering programmes where staff can enjoy walking with rescue dogs either solo or as a group.
The positive impact that pets have on our mental health and wellbeing is undeniable, but these benefits are quickly undermined when pet care becomes a source of stress.
When a pet is unwell, employees are often left dealing with anxiety, potentially large bills, and time away from work for appointments or at home care and monitoring.
Findings from Vet AI’s latest report on the hidden cost of ignoring pet care in workplace benefits highlight how frequently these situations affect working pet owners, with clear implications for attendance, satisfaction and retention.
Employers can make a meaningful difference by offering online access to pet care that not only covers veterinary advice, but also educational resources and preventative tools that keep pets healthier from day one. The outcome? Healthier pets, and happier people.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Vet-AI
Reducing employee absenteeism and financial stress with 24/7 online vet care.
