Why Animal Companions Matter

Source: Nenad Stojkovic. 2021. 'Young child and an old person are petting grey cute cat'. Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

by Yi-Ping Tsai and Damien W. Riggs

Imagine coming home after a long day of work and being greeted by the wagging tail of a dog or the soft purr of a cat. For many humans, these moments of connection with an animal companion are among the highlights of their day. And there is now growing evidence that animal companionship offers transformative psychological benefits to human well-being. A study by Damien (Riggs et al., 2024) explored human-animal interactions and revealed the significant positive impact of animal companionship on human well-being.

Why Animal Companionship Matters

The bond between humans and animals is powerful, with roots stretching back thousands of years. While the idea of animals as companions is not new, the study by Damien and his colleagues (Riggs et al., 2024) has brought renewed attention to the myriad ways animals enrich our lives. This study provides robust evidence that fostering human-animal relationships can enhance the overall well-being of humans.

The relevance of this research is that it provides a valuable resource to help us understand the psychological benefits of animal companionship to humans. The findings resonate with the core principles of positive psychology, a field focused on what makes life worth living, emphasising strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.

Linking Animal Companionship to Positive Psychology

According to Seligman’s PERMA theory (2011), well-being comprises Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—all areas in which animal companionship can have an important impact. For instance, individuals feel loved and healed when engaging with their pets. This aligns with the positive psychology principle of building meaningful connections as a foundation for well-being.

Moreover, love for animals and animal interactions have been shown to have a positive influence on human well-being. Loving interactions with animals help to strengthen the bonds between humans and animals. The simple act of petting an animal companion or responding to their friendly gaze can activate the release of oxytocin in humans (Beetz et al., 2012). The closer the bond, the more oxytocin is released (Beetz et al., 2012). These human-animal interactions help cultivate positive emotions.

Insights from the Study

The study by Damien and his colleagues (Riggs et al., 2024) is particularly compelling because it examines the experiences of people from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, providing a comprehensive understanding of how animal companionship improves human well-being. Despite demographic differences, the study found consistent evidence that animal companionship was associated with greater well-being among participants in these three Western countries. Similar studies conducted in Asian countries have confirmed the benefits of animal companionship to humans in those locations (Chan & Wong, 2022; Grajfoner et al., 2021).

One key finding was that the benefits of animal companionship are more pronounced for individuals who maintain regular social interactions, compared to those who are socially isolated and live exclusively with animals. In addition, animal interactions occur not only in domestic settings but also extend into outdoor spaces, such as playing with other pets at pet-friendly parks. This suggests that animal interactions are a form of social exercise, explaining why such interactions can increase a person’s social connectedness.

Practical Takeaways

For those considering bringing an animal into their lives, the benefits are clear. However, it's important to approach pet ownership with careful consideration. Here are a few strategies to maximise the positive impact of animal companionship:

1. Choose the Right Pet. Ensure the animal's needs and temperament align with your lifestyle. Different pets require different levels of care and attention.
2. Engage in Regular Interaction. Spend quality time with your pet each day. This not only strengthens your bond but also brings you psychological benefits.
3. Leverage the Support of Your Pet During Tough Times. Interacting with a pet can significantly improve the owner's well-being, and of course the wellbeing of the animal too. Their presence can provide comfort and induce positive emotions in the owner.
4. Be Mindful of the Commitment. Keeping pets requires time, attention, and resources. Make sure you are ready to take on the responsibility of adopting an animal.

Animal companionship can significantly enhance human well-being. The findings from Damien's study highlight how animal interaction can help us live happier and healthier. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, animal companionship offers an ongoing psychological benefit to human well-being. Whether you are a lifelong pet owner or considering bringing an animal into your home, the benefits of these relationships are clear and lasting.

Animal Behavior Essential Reads

Training Your Dog With Love, Science, and Consent

Pet Sounds: Investigating Dogs’ Use of Soundboard Buttons

This post was created as part of the topic Psychology of Wellbeing and Human Flourishing, for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology, Monash University, undertaken by Yi-Ping, with additional editing provided by Damien Riggs.