Pets are often linked with enhanced mental and physical health. Many credit them with reducing loneliness and improving mental well-being. However, a recent study indicates that owning a cat, dog, or another companion animal might not be the primary factor.
Study Overview and Findings
Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland found minimal evidence suggesting pet ownership directly correlates with improved physical or mental health. This conclusion emerged from a survey involving 2,328 adults. The study, published in PLOS One, highlights that factors like time spent with animals and perceived emotional support significantly influence these relationships.
Instead of focusing solely on pet ownership, researchers analyzed how individuals interacted with animals. They considered aspects such as the presence of pets, regular animal contact, emotional attachment, time spent, and socio-emotional support provided by pets. These aspects were compared against measures of physical health, psychological well-being, loneliness, life satisfaction, and social support.
Complexities of the Human-Animal Bond
Previous research on the health benefits of pet ownership shows mixed results. Some studies associate pet ownership with reduced stress, increased physical activity, and decreased loneliness. Others show little or no measurable advantage.
The researchers discovered no broad relationship between pet ownership or regular animal contact and enhanced health or well-being. Women, those spending more time with animals, and individuals interacting with dogs reported stronger emotional connections and socio-emotional support from their pets.
Unexpected Outcomes
Notably, stronger feelings of support didn’t always relate to better well-being. Intriguingly, some findings went in the opposite direction. For instance, pet owners reported slightly poorer health and a higher tendency to smoke compared to non-owners. Additionally, participants who perceived greater support from an animal noted lower psychological well-being and increased loneliness.
These findings should not suggest that pets negatively impact health. The study, being observational, cannot determine causality. Those facing poorer health or loneliness might seek animal companionship, rather than pets causing these issues. The differences noted, such as in smoking habits, were minor and may not reflect significant lifestyle changes.
Specific Insights on Dogs
Interactions with dogs showed stronger attachment levels and socio-emotional support compared to other species. Women also reported higher levels of attachment and support from their pets than men.
The study suggests that factors such as the owner’s characteristics, the pet, and the quality of their relationship play crucial roles. The researchers emphasize future studies should focus on understanding these interactions rather than mere pet ownership.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
Limitations of this study include reliance on self-reported data, the exclusive participation of Swiss adults, and a single-point-in-time measurement. Future research should incorporate objective health measures, involve participants from diverse countries, and consider long-term impacts of human-animal relationships.
The findings do not negate the benefits that companion animals might provide. They underline that these relationships are multifaceted and the emotional bonds with pets might outweigh the importance of mere ownership.
The study authors were contacted for comment but did not respond before publication.
Marti R, Hediger K, Pauli E, Hattendorf J. Factors of pet ownership associated with human health: A representative cross-sectional survey of Switzerland. PLoS One 2026;21(7):e0352778. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352778
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