Looking after a family member or friend can sometimes feel lonely. We’ve recently shared tips for improving our romantic relationships, or friendships, but another option is finding comfort through animals. Our recent Mobilise Moment highlighted just how much pets mean to many of us, with 40% of us agreeing that our pets bring us emotional support and comfort, along with a range of other benefits.
From a calming cuddle on a tough day to a playful distraction that lifts our mood, our animal companions offer a unique kind of support that's hard to beat.
Research has shown that spending time with animals can reduce our stress levels and even lower blood pressure.
With this in mind, we've put together the top reasons why pets can be such wonderful companions for us. We’ll also share some ideas for low-maintenance pets, and alternative ways to enjoy animal companionship if having a pet at home isn’t possible.
How pets can improve our lives when caring
1. A constant, unconditional companion
Unlike people, pets can offer us unconditional love without expectations or criticism. They don’t judge, ask questions, or need explanations - they simply offer us comfort and affection.
“This is my little bestie, Jet. She's my snuggly lap and heart warmer. She melts my heart and helps me feel a little better."
Studies have also shown that when dogs and humans positively interact with each other both exhibit a surge in oxytocin, a hormone which has been linked to positive emotional states.
“This little lady is called Peppy and she is my saviour, who loves me unconditionally, keeps me sane and has become my only companion. She loves nothing better than to be out walking with me in the surrounding wood or snuggling up on the sofa.”
Pets also have an incredible way of sensing emotions. Many pets will stay close when we’re feeling down, offering cuddles and company just when we need them most. In their own simple way, they remind us that we’re not alone, offering us a unique source of physical comfort in the form of cuddles and affection.
“We got Jess nearly 10 years ago when my husband first finished his chemo, I was still working full time then and he was stuck at home alone. We never even thought how much love Jess could give, she would sense when he was poorly and just cuddle up to him until he felt OK and it was lovely when I got home from work how happy she was to see me too.”
2. Reducing stress and anxiety
Caring can be an emotionally, physically, and financially demanding role, often leading to heightened stress levels. This can trigger an increase in cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, which, over time, can contribute to various health problems.
However, the presence of a pet can offer an effective way to reduce our stress levels. Studies have shown that the simple act of stroking a cat or dog can lower cortisol levels and help regulate our blood pressure, creating a calming effect on both the mind and body.
This is also why therapy animals are often introduced in hospitals and other care settings, where their reassuring presence can help ease anxiety and stress. Many in our community have also shared how interactions with their pets and animals have helped them.
3. Encouraging routine and stability
Caring can often feel unpredictable, with daily responsibilities shifting in ways that make it difficult to establish a sense of stability in our day to day.
Pets, however, can introduce structure into our lives, providing routine amidst the uncertainty. The process of feeding, walking, and grooming a pet can turn into a daily ritual, offering a sense of control and consistency in our lives. These routines can offer us a sense of purpose and stability when we're caring.
Beyond this, caring for our pet can encourage us to take small but meaningful breaks, preventing burnout by providing moments of pause in an otherwise demanding day. From stepping outside for a short walk with the dog or simply pausing to feed our cat, these moments serve as gentle reminders to slow down and reconnect with something outside of our caring responsibilities.
“I got 3 pekin bantam chickens a few years ago and would not be without them. They are really therapeutic, watching them waddle about in the garden. Love them, and eggs are a huge bonus too!”
4. Emotional well-being and combating loneliness
Caring can sometimes feel isolating, leaving us disconnected from friends, social circles and even the wider world. Pets, however, offer a consistent source of companionship, providing us with comfort and reducing our feelings of loneliness. Research has shown that pet owners are less likely to experience loneliness, as the presence of an animal can offer us close contact and company.
Talking to pets can also be therapeutic for many. They can offer a non-judgmental 'listening ear,' allowing us to express our thoughts and emotions freely, especially when no one else is around.
Beyond their company, our pets can also open doors to social interactions. Dog walking, engaging in online pet communities, or simply bonding with fellow pet owners can create opportunities for conversation and connection with others, helping us feel less alone in our experiences.
5. Increasing physical health and movement
Pets can also encourage us to stay active. Walking a dog for instance would provide us with fresh air, sunlight, and regular exercise, all of which contribute to better mental and physical well-being.
Even small interactions, like playing with a cat or engaging with a smaller pet, can promote light activity that could help improve our circulation and mobility. Incorporating this movement into our daily routine through caring for our pets can make a big difference to our overall well-being.
6.Teaching us to prioritise our well-being/ meet our needs.
Our pets depend on us to be well so that we can take care of them. While they may sometimes feel like just another responsibility in our already busy lives, they also serve as gentle reminders to slow down, take breaks, and care for ourselves. By feeding them at regular intervals, taking them for a walk, or simply pausing for a cuddle, our pets create natural moments of rest that help us tune into our own needs.
In meeting our pet's basic needs, we’re also reminded to check in with our own. Their feeding time might prompt us to have a proper meal rather than skip lunch. Even their eagerness for a walk encourages us to step outside, breathe in fresh air, and stretch our legs for a moment in our day.
So, while we may think we’re the ones looking after them, they’re also looking after us in their own way!
"I have two dogs, two cats, and two fish tanks of fish. My furry pets keep me company, and I love chatting to them. My fish are very relaxing to watch. In my darkest moments, the dogs have been my reason to get out of bed and feed them. Even if I then spent the day on the sofa, it meant I had gotten up, and I benefited from their company and stroking their fur."
Lowest maintenance pets when caring
If reading this has got us thinking about bringing a pet into our lives but we feel we might not have the time, some pets require less maintenance than others. Some of the easiest pets to look after include Guinea pigs, goldfish, hamsters, bunnies and cats, which can fit into busy routines with minimal fuss.
“Cats in our house help to calm my son who has ASD, PDA and ODD. Having a cat is less demanding for us; there's no pressure to take them for walks, and are relaxing and calming without being in our face”
Alternatives we can try if we don’t have a pet
Of course, not everyone is in a position to have a pet. We might not have the time, budget, permission from a landlord, or the right environment to house a furry friend. If that's the case, there are still ways to enjoy the benefits of a pet's company without taking on full-time responsibility.
One option is pet-assisted therapy. Some facilities offer sessions where we can spend time with animals in a calming, supportive environment so we can still benefit from the calming impact of being around animals. Some activities include yoga sessions. If we're interested in learning more about animal-assisted therapy, we can use this link to explore different options.
Another option that’s becoming more common is the use of robotic pets. These lifelike cat and dog toys can mimic behaviours like purring, meowing, and even gentle breathing, offering a soothing, sensory experience. While they can be costly for personal use, some care homes have reported their calming effects, particularly in reducing anxiety and providing a sense of companionship for residents.
Petting zoos can also give us a chance to interact with animals, even if just for a short visit. Some petting zoos offer discounted entry for carers so be sure to check before booking.
If we'd like a bit more involvement, pet-sitting apps are a great way to let us look after animals temporarily, giving us a taste of pet ownership without the long-term commitment. Alternatively, we might know a neighbour with a dog who'd appreciate help with occasional walks.
What if we can no longer look after our pets?
We might also worry about what would happen to our pets if our circumstances change. The Cinnamon Trust is one organisation that can help. They provide practical support to pet owners when daily care becomes challenging and even offer lifelong care for pets if they outlive their owners.
Closing thoughts
Pets can bring a unique kind of comfort into our lives, especially when we're caring.
So, whether we’re lucky enough to have a pet at home, borrow our neighbour's pet for the day or find joy through pet therapy, the benefits of spending time with animals are clear. They can lift our mood, reduce stress, and remind us to care for ourselves too. From offering unconditional companionship to encouraging us to take breaks, our animal friends often provide the emotional support we need, sometimes without us even realising it.
If we have a pet or want to talk about our experiences with animals (or simply look at some precious photos of other community member’s pets), join the discussion in the Mobilise Hub today.