Many of us currently have, or have had in the past, a beloved pet–an estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet–dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, hamsters, outdoor animals like donkeys, cows, horses, etc. We love them, we provide responsible care for them, and we miss them when they are no longer with us. But did you know that there are actually a wide variety of health benefits from interacting with animals?

Pets can increase opportunities for us to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone). There are several ways that being around animals improves our immune function. Other studies have found that animals can help manage loneliness, anxiety and depression by providing companionship, increasing feelings of social support, and boosting our mood. Pets may also help children with their emotional and social skills and help them learn responsibility by caring for an animal’s physical needs.

Animals who are specially trained as therapy animals to serve as a source of comfort or support are sometimes brought into hospitals, care homes, or therapist’s offices to help reduce patients’ stress, fear, anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Animals may also aid in the school classroom. One study found that dogs can help children with ADHD focus their attention. Children who read out loud to animals showed better social skills, showed more sharing, cooperation, and volunteering, and had fewer behavioral problems. Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom, their anxiety levels dropped, they had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers.

 See the Link Below to the August 2025 Parish Nurse News to read more about how our pets are a blessing to our lives and other helpful information!