From cats to dogs to fish to hamsters, these wonderful creatures are often more than just pets—they’re vital members of the household.

We create bonds with them, showing them affection just as they do for us. And this attachment isn’t superficial: it actually provides many physical and mental upsides. Gain a better appreciation for your connection with your pet by taking a closer look at this beneficial relationship.

Pets provide companionship

There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day of work and being able to cuddle or play with your pet. Phil Tedeschi, cofounder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC), says this type of companionship can go a long way toward fighting loneliness and isolation, especially for those who live alone. That’s because interactions with your pet increase the oxytocin levels in your body while decreasing the levels of cortisol and lowering your blood pressure, both of which can improve your physical and psychological health. The drop in cortisol, for example, may help lower stress levels and promote better heart health, thus boosting your long-term well-being.

As for oxytocin, Tedeschi explains that while this hormone is generally understood to strengthen the bond between humans, “in the presence of a safe animal, these same neurobiological circumstances are also occurring.” When you interact with your pet, your brain releases oxytocin, which further helps you connect with them and feel comfortable and relaxed when you’re around them. And once that connection is built, you’ve got a friend for life. After all, animals don’t see humans through the same lenses we do—they simply treat us as we treat them.

Pets support mental health

Pets often accept people in ways that other humans don’t or simply can’t, showing a level of love that can ultimately have a positive influence on our mental health. According to Steve Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), “pets can be considered main sources of support for the long-term management of mental health conditions,” including mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. In fact, a 2024 American Psychiatric Association survey found that 84 percent of pet owners noted that their pets have a largely positive impact on their mental health, providing a calming presence and helping to lower their stress. So when you’re looking to unwind at home and ease the pressures of the day, do so with your pet— they may be just what you need to truly relax. 

Pets keep you young at heart

While the human-animal connection provides health benefits at every stage of life, the bond may be particularly valuable for those in later ones. “As we get older, we are socialized to stop playing like children, yet with our animals, we still play in similar carefree ways,” Tedeschi says. Your pet’s natural liveliness demands that you break away from those social norms, enticing you to play like you would when you were a kid, whether you compete in games of tug of war, throw toys for them, or run around the backyard. This not only keeps you active but also provides humor, joy, and laughter that you might not have in other areas of your life, which can lead to a whole host of benefits. For instance, such play can lower a pet owner’s overall stress levels to promote better heart health and even help in the treatment of those with a disease such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Nothing can liven up a home like a pet, filling it with a joy that instantly brings a smile to your face. Embrace all yours has to offer, and you may just experience a healthful boost in your life as well.