6 Scientific Benefits of living with Pets

Better survival and heart health

The health benefits of having a pet – how about living longer with better heart health? A major review published in Circulation in 2019 analysed data from almost 4 million people. It found that dog ownership was linked with lower risks of both all-cause mortality and death from cardiovascular disease. The effect was even stronger for people who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke.

The explanation is likely a mix of factors: dog owners often get more exercise, but the companionship and reduced stress from pet ownership may also contribute. And this is no small improvement; ischaemic heart disease is the biggest killer of men in the UK, beating COVID-19, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, and all specific forms of cancer. And while other causes are more common for women, heart disease is still third.

More daily physical activity

If you’ve ever lived with a dog, you’ll know that walkies aren’t optional. And as annoying as that might be on a rainy Friday evening, that regular routine does add up. Studies consistently show that dog owners walk more and are more active overall compared to people without pets.

 A 2013 review found positive effects on moderate-to-vigorous activity levels, and earlier meta-analyses also confirmed that dog ownership leads to more daily walking. Even short strolls contribute to better fitness, mobility, and overall health. And while cats and smaller pets don’t need walks, you still might find your activity levels and daily steps better than usual with their play and care routines. So if you’ve ever wondered “are pet owners really fitter?”, science suggests that at least for dog lovers, the answer is yes.

Lower stress levels

Spending time with pets physically lowers stress. Researchers at Washington State University ran a controlled study where students interacted with cats and dogs for just ten minutes. The results were striking: those who petted the animals had significantly reduced cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to students who didn’t. 

What’s exciting about this is how quickly the effect happens. Even brief hands-on interaction can calm the body’s stress response. So, for anyone balancing work, study, and all those daily pressures, those small moments of connection with a pet can make a real difference to wellbeing.

Calmer responses to challenges

It’s not just everyday stress that pets can help with; they also seem to buffer our bodies against acute pressure. Classic experiments published in Hypertension found that pet owners had lower blood pressure spikes during mental stress tasks compared to non-owners. That suggests pets provide a unique kind of social support that lowers reactivity in tense moments. And over time, reduced stress responses can mean less wear and tear on the heart and blood vessels.

Lower risk of asthma i children

Pets may even have long-term health benefits for children. A large nationwide study in Sweden, published in JAMA Pediatrics, tracked over a million children and found that those exposed to a dog during their first year of life had a lower risk of developing asthma by the time they started school. 

These findings suggest that early contact with pets can help train and shape the immune system, potentially making it more resilient to allergens and respiratory issues; the likely reason is low-level, non-harmful exposure to irritants like hair and dander. In the UK, where asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions among children, growing up with a pet could provide an added layer of protection while also fostering a love of animals and encouraging active, outdoor play.

Connecting with others

Last but not least, a study surveying residents across four cities in Australia and the U.S. found that pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know neighbors compared to non-owners. Dog owners especially stood out, with many reporting friendships formed through their pets and around 40% receiving emotional or practical support from people they met via their animals. And when you think about it, it makes sense – you’ll be out on walks meeting people!

This is particularly important if you’re living in an urban area. Dense city living can make it harder to build bonds and a sense of community; shared spaces might be limited, and people may keep to themselves, making casual interactions less frequent. Having a pet changes that dynamic, giving you a natural reason to meet the neighbours, strike up conversations, form connections, or just say hello. Over time, these interactions can turn into friendships, support networks, and a greater feeling of belonging even in a busy city environment.