As a proud cat dad of two amazing fur balls: Precious and Mr. Biscuits, I can personally attest to the healing power of pets.

Pet owners already know about the joys that come with sharing their lives with their furry companions, however, did you know pets can also improve our mental health?

Caring for a pet can help us reduce anxiety and stress, provide companionship, increase exercise, and help you meet new people.

Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Petting a dog, cat, or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed. Because pets tend to live in the moment, they can help you become more present and take your mind off the stresses of the day. You tend to forget about everything that happened at work when you come home to a pet. It’s a great mental reset.

Isolation can literally be deadly. Isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression while any form of companionship, even from a pet, can help prevent illness and can even add years to your life. Caring for an animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets, which can help us process our thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Nothing combats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat.

Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule and also improve your mood. While I don’t think changing our cat bathroom counts as exercise, the key is adding extra movement to your day, which any pet can help with. Movement of any amount, especially if it’s outside, can help clear your mind.

Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park or meet new people in pet stores or training classes. I know I like to compare the best cat toys with fellow cat owners. Knowing the best lasers to keep them occupied is essential, but it’s also nice to use it as an opportunity to find connection and commonality with other people. 

With Maine being an aging state, pets can be particularly helpful for seniors. In addition to the benefits above, pets can help you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, you can lose things that previously occupied your time. Caring for a pet can add to your overall sense of self-worth, feeding and being responsible for another living creature. They can also add some structure to your day if you are retired from the daily hustle and bustle of a career. Pets like having a consistent routine and it can be useful for you, too. Choosing to adopt a pet from a shelter can add to your sense of fulfillment, knowing that you’ve provided a home to a pet in need of a loving home.

For those without a pet or don’t have an ability to have a pet, don’t fret. There are options for you as well. Local animal shelters are always looking for volunteers. It’s a great way to give back which has its own mental health impacts, while getting all the therapeutic benefits that come along with being around animals.

Bottom line: appreciate your furry companions. They can enhance our lives in so many ways including our own mental health.

Justin Chenette is the Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement at Sweetser, which provides evidence-based treatment, support and hope through a statewide network of community-based mental health, recovery, and educational services. Learn more at www.Sweetser.org.