Research reveals childhood pets increase ability to cope with adulthood stress

Pets provide invaluable emotional support for stress and mental health issues

A new piece of research has highlighted the positive effect our pets have on our lives. Carried out on behalf of National Pet Month trustee organisation NOAH, it shows that 55% (equating to over 29 million) people in the UK believe that a childhood pet can help build stronger coping mechanisms in stressful situations in adult life.

NOAH’s research of more than 2,000 UK adults[i] revealed that 98% of those surveyed felt despite the care needed, they wouldn’t be more stressed by having a pet during times of difficulty. In fact, over half (52%) agreed that pets helped elevate their mood in times of distress and upset and one in five pet owners (20%) would be most likely to turn to their pets for comfort.

The positive impact of pets on mental health is strongly supported, with nearly two in five (38%) believing that having a pet can help by giving them confidence, which is all the more important as nearly half (47%) admit they have suffered from at least one mental health condition. 67% also believe that having a pet provides companionship and friendship and 52% believe that pets help those who may be feeling lonely.

Mental health has a huge impact on the quality of our lives. Stress is a part of this: it is a normal part of life, yet at times we may become overwhelmed and our mental health can suffer. 

NOAH feels it is reassuring to see the importance that pets play in helping us through difficult times. This new research shines a light on how companion animals can help our wellbeing. There is no denying that pets have a hugely positive impact on people – more than two-fifths of the population (45%) even said that pets fill a space in a family that they didn’t know they had!

[i] Sample: 2,009 UK adults with 1,238 pet owners surveyed by Markettiers from 29.10.19 – 01.11.19