Many pet owners would say that their pets are a great source of happiness for them and that they make them feel less lonely and generally better. Indeed, several psychological studies have shown the benefits of having a pet for both physical and mental health. However, pet owners can also face incredibly difficult situations that can have negative effects on their mental health. For example, it can be very frustrating if a dog is badly trained and aggressive and bites their owner or other people. Also, if a pet gets sick, the owner’s mental health may worsen since they worry so much. Last, but not least, sky-high vet bills can result in mental health challenges for some pet owners. So taken together, the relationship of owning a pet and psychological well-being may not be as easy as it seems at first glance. Thus, high-quality psychological studies are needed to explore this relationship further.
A new study on pet ownership, health, and well-being
A new study, published in the scientific journal Applied Research Quality Life, now investigated the effect of owning a pet on health and well-being from a new angle (Ananyev, and co-workers, 2026). In the…
