I have been reflecting recently about the significant effect animals have on our quality of life. This reflection has led me to write this article and explore a small number of ways in which animals make a positive difference to our health and empower us in our activities of daily living. In this article I will be using the term companion animals rather than pets as many of us view them as family members with their own characteristics rather than animals we have legal ownership of.
For instance, UK Pet Food created several resources, one of which is called The Science of Companionship: Why Pets Make Our Lives Better, referenced on this page. They presented the public with evidence during the most recent National Pet Month which will drive this article. I discovered that interacting with animals lowers our levels of cholesterol and the stress hormone cortisol. Animals also promote feel-good hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin in us. I know from experience that I often manage my stress by interacting with my cat. I pay attention to the slow rise and fall of her chest as she rests beside me. By breathing at her pace, I can focus on progressively relaxing my musculoskeletal system and releasing the tension that it has been storing. This process of mutual calming is known as co-regulation. During dialectical behaviour therapy I learnt that this act stabilises me by grounding me in the present moment. I have found it is very easy and rewarding to involve my companion animals in my mindfulness practice and, in retrospect, I have also noticed that I am better able to manage pain. I have more self-compassion and motivation to maintain good health when I am spending time with them.
Companion animals have also helped me and others to combat isolation which can manifest in low mood, anxiety, poor self-esteem and even panic attacks. It is no secret that this is likely one of the reasons why animal-assisted therapy is so popular. Animal-assisted therapy can provide us with a sense of psychological safety. Animals accept us for who we are without casting judgement. You may sometimes hear this phenomenon referred to as unconditional positive regard. Experiencing unconditional positive regard often encourages us to act with empathy and connect with others. Thinking back, it is amusing that my smaller animals have been the icebreaker to many conversations and friendships that have formed throughout the years. Sharing my life with animals has become a part of my identity and I believe my partner would agree it is a core value of his too.
As someone with a chronic illness, the impact that my companion animals have on me extends beyond managing stress and socialising. All aspects of their care involve light to moderate physical activity. Whilst I was studying at university, I volunteered to walk dogs at my local rescue centre and lead treks with a llama and alpacas. I found
that these volunteer roles increased my cardiovascular endurance and somewhat reduced the fatigue that I was accumulating. They gave me an opportunity to be a part of a community and move around outdoors which was helpful as I spent a lot of my day typing away at a computer. Volunteering also consolidated what I already knew about how vital it is to conserve the populations and habitats of native and wild species. As humanity has evolved, we play a key role in preventing the extinction of other species and sustaining a healthy ecosystem for all our futures. This is especially important now because our climate is changing rapidly and our companion
animals prompt us to see the bigger picture.
There are many other animals and ways in which these animals enrich our lives which I have not been able to explore. It is my hope that by reading this article that you will be open to learning more and inviting them into your hearts and minds. We have a profound influence over our planet, and we need to use our custodial power and privilege to transform the lives of animals as much as they have transformed ours.
Story by Isobel Brown, one of our Creative Content Producers.
Reference:
UK Pet Food (2025). National Pet Month – The science of companionship: Why pets make our lives better.
https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/national-pet-month-the-science-of-companionship-why-pets-make-our-lives-b
etter.html
