Do pets support mental health?
The relationship people form with their pets can bring joy in times of happiness and comfort in times of distress. Pets also facilitate community by leading people to connect with neighbors in the park or strangers on the street. Pets may also provide a buffer against stress and depression: Those with severe depression who adopt a pet fare better than those who are depressed but do not, research suggests. People with dogs also tend to get more physical activity than non-dog owners, which may explain the connection between pet ownership and both stress reduction and heart health.