How Animals Improve Mental Health
Why Pets Are Powerful Healers
Animals have an incredible way of calming us, comforting us, and bringing joy into our daily lives. Whether it’s a playful cat, a loyal dog, or even the quiet presence of a fish or reptile, pets have been shown to significantly support emotional well-being — for children, teens, and adults alike by:
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Interacting with animals lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (bonding hormone), helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight. Even a few minutes with a pet can ease tension, reduce anxiety, slow heart rate, and improve sleep and emotional regulation.
2. Providing Companionship and Reduce Loneliness
Pets offer consistent companionship without judgment. They help kids, teens, and adults feel connected, supported, and less alone — especially during stressful life transitions. Pets help decrease loneliness (a major factor in early mortality) for people of all ages, particularly older adults in nursing homes.
3. Encouraging Routine and Stability
Feeding, walking, grooming, and caring for pets creates structure. This supports emotional regulation, executive functioning, and daily consistency — particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD or anxiety.
4. Boosting Mood and Increasing Happiness
Animals stimulate serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and decreasing symptoms of depression. Their presence offers joy, motivation, and a sense of purrrrrpose throughout the day (see what I did there).
5. Promoting Social Connection
Pets help build community through conversations, shared interests, or serving as a comforting presence in social settings. They act as natural social bridges for both kids and adults- just look at your local dog park!
6. Emotional Support, Therapy & Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort and grounding during distress. Therapy animals visit hospitals, clinics, and schools to reduce stress and promote well-being. Service animals assist with life-changing support for medical or psychiatric disorders. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, some dogs even assist in fighting crime and cancer!
At BOS RX, we support the Human–Animal Bond
We believe in integrating the healing benefits of animals into patient care when appropriate, including help with coping skills, grounding strategies, routines and evaluation forESA documentation when clinically indicated. If you or your child could benefit from emotional support- whether coping with anxiety, depression, stress, or emotional dysregulation, BOS RX is here.
Give us a call or Schedule an appointment on our website.
