What role can pets play in wellbeing? 

Pets can provide companionship, comfort and a sense of connection in everyday life. 

For many people, animals become a trusted part of their support system. They can offer routine, comfort and emotional support, especially during difficult times. 

Pets can support emotional, social and physical wellbeing in meaningful ways. 

How pets can help 

Spending time with animals can support wellbeing in different ways. 

Emotional support 

• Provide comfort during stress, anxiety or low mood 
• Offer companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness 
• Create a sense of safety and stability 

Research suggests pets help reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing, especially during challenging times. 

Connection and companionship 

• Provide a consistent source of connection 
• Help reduce social isolation 
• Act as a “social bridge” to meet others (for example, through dog walking or community spaces) 

Pets can help people feel more connected to others and to their community. 

Routine and purpose 

• Create daily structure (feeding, walking, care) 
• Provide a sense of responsibility and purpose 
• Encourage engagement, even on difficult days 

Caring for a pet can help create routine and a sense of purpose, which can support mental wellbeing. 

Physical and mental health 

• Encourage physical activity (especially with dogs) 
• Help lower stress levels and improve mood 
• Support relaxation and mindfulness 

Interacting with animals may help reduce stress and promote calm and wellbeing. 

Why pets matter for veterans and families of veterans 

Transitioning out of service or going through other difficult times can affect routine, identity and connection. 

For some veterans and families of veterans, pets can help by: 

• Providing companionship and emotional support 
• Reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness 
• Supporting daily structure and routine 
• Offering a calming presence during stress or anxiety 

In some cases, specially trained assistance animals can support people living with post-traumatic stress. They may recognise signs of distress and help reduce symptoms. 

Pets may not be the right option for everyone, but for many people they can be a valuable part of a broader support network. 

How pets fit into your wellbeing 

Wellbeing is about your whole life, not just your health. 

Pets can support several areas of wellbeing, including: 

• Mental wellbeing – managing stress, anxiety and mood 
• Connection – reducing loneliness and building social relationships 
• Purpose – providing routine and responsibility 
• Physical health – encouraging activity and healthy habits 

Pets can complement other forms of support, such as counselling, peer support or community activities. 

What to consider before getting a pet 

Pets can bring comfort, connection and routine, but it is also important to think about what kind of care and commitment is involved. 

Before getting a pet, think about your housing, daily routine, health, support network and the care you can realistically provide. A pet may be a good fit for some people, but not for others. 

If owning a pet is not practical, there are other ways to spend time with animals. You might foster, volunteer or help care for someone else’s pet. 

Pets provide companionship. Assistance animals are specially trained to support a person with disability or other specific needs. Animal-assisted therapy is delivered by a qualified provider. 

Relationships with pets can be deeply important. If a pet becomes unwell, dies or needs to be rehomed, it is normal to feel grief or loss. Support from family, friends or a counsellor may help. 

Getting involved with animals 

You don’t need to own a pet to experience the benefits of spending time with animals. 

If owning a pet is not right for you, there are other ways to spend time with animals: 

• Spending time with a friend or family member’s pet 
• Volunteering with an animal shelter or rescue organisation 
• Participating in animal-assisted therapy programs 
• Visiting community spaces where animals are welcome 

Even small interactions with animals can support wellbeing and connection. 

Pets are not the only support 

Pets can make a meaningful difference, but they work best alongside other supports, such as talking to someone, accessing services and staying connected to your community.