Pets • Preventive Health SA
Research has shown that owning a pet can reduce loneliness and improve mental wellbeing.
Health benefits of having a pet
Key facts
- Pets can have many benefits for your social wellbeing, mental health and physical health.
- Pets can provide a sense of purpose and companionship and relieve feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Having a pet can reduce your stress levels and help you cope better in challenging times.
- Walking your dog can improve your fitness levels and heart health.
- Dogs can be trained to become assistance dogs to support people with disabilities in their daily lives.
Having a pet can provide many benefits for your physical health, as well as your mental and social wellbeing.
Pets reduce stress
Many people have a lot of stress in their lives. Research shows that just patting a pet can help reduce your stress and blood pressure.
They can help you relax and be mindful when experiencing difficult situations.
Pets provide love and companionship
Pets can be affectionate and loyal. A pet can give you and your family:
- friendship
- companionship
- unconditional love
They help you fulfil the basic human need for touch. Patting a pet can lower your heart rate. Your connection with your pet can also help reduce your loneliness or feelings of isolation.
Pets provide a sense of purpose
Most pets need a routine of:
- feeding
- toileting
- grooming
- exercise
Being responsible for them can give you motivation, purpose and a reason to get up in the morning. This can help you establish healthy routines and improve your self-care. Looking after your pet can support your self-esteem and wellbeing. This can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
However, if you are struggling to look after yourself, talk to your doctor about getting help, before you take on caring for a pet.
Owning a pet can improve your fitness
Caring for your pet may mean you need to do physical activity. For example, dogs need regular walks. This can help you to spend more time being active outdoors. This exercise is good for both your pet and you. Fitness and exercise such as walking has many benefits for your mental health and wellbeing, as well as being good for your physical health.
Pets can improve your heart health
Interacting with your pet can improve your heart health. Owning a dog has been found to lower your:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol levels
- risk of heart problems
Pets can help prevent allergies, eczema and asthma in children
Having pets that shed during your child's first year of life can reduce their chance of developing chronic conditions such as:
- asthma
- eczema
- hay fever
The more your child is exposed to pets, the less likely they will develop allergies or asthma.
Assistance dogs can support people in their daily lives
Some dogs can get special training to become assistance dogs and support people in their daily lives. For example, they can help people with chronic conditions such as:
- epilepsy
- diabetes
- mobility issues and physical disabilities
- hearing loss
- mental illnesses such as depression
- vision loss
Guide dogs are specially trained to help people who are blind or have low vision. The guide dog helps their owner to safely travel around their community and become more independent.
What should I think about before getting a pet?
Pets are good for your health, but there are some things to think about before getting one.
Pet ownership is a big, long-term responsibility. Some pets may live for up to 20 years. It's important to make sure you can properly care for a pet.
Here are some questions to help you decide:
- Can I afford a pet including pet supplies, food and vet care?
- Do I have the space to keep a pet?
- Do I have time to care for and play with a pet?
It's good to answer these questions honestly before you welcome a pet into your life.
How should I choose a pet?
When choosing a pet, there are lots of things to consider. Your pet should suit you, your family and how much space you have in your home.
There are different types of pets, including:
- dogs
- cats
- fish and reptiles
- rabbits
- birds
- chickens
- horses
There are also different breeds of each animal. Different breeds may have different needs.
The care your pet needs will also depend on its age. For example, caring for a puppy is different to caring for an adult dog.
You should always meet a pet first before bringing it into your home. This way, you can make sure the pet is a good fit for your family. If you have children, the pet you choose should be well-behaved around children.
Whether you choose a pet from a breeder, rescue or shelter, you can ask staff for advice.
Resources and support
To learn more about how pets can improve your mental and physical health, you can visit:
Asthma Australia (Opens in new tab) has advice on how pets can help reduce your child's risk of developing allergies and asthma.
To learn more about therapy, companion and guide dogs, you can visit Guide Dogs Australia (Opens in new tab).
Read Animal Medicines Australia's findings from a 2022 national survey investigating pets in Australia (Opens in new tab).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: August 2025
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Pets increase your opportunities for social interaction
Pets create opportunities for social interactions. This might include:
Your pet can provide a way to start a conversation with someone. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If you have a fear of social situations, or social phobia, having a pet can help. Your pet can help you become more comfortable meeting other pet-owners and enhance your mental health.
You can also encounter other pet owners in online communities. Online communities can provide social interaction, as well as a space to ask for advice.