The Brutal Truth About Why Your Pet Can’t Actually Cure Your Anxiety
Pets have always been a source of attachment for people, but they became emotional lifelines during the recent pandemic. Adoption centers reported overwhelming demand for pets. People started adopting pets with the hope that animals could guard them against loneliness, depression, or anxiety. The belief that a pet can heal a struggling mind continues to influence how we view dogs and cats.
However, a large study has challenged this assumption with hard data and showed that companionship does not equal cure. Researchers found no measurable mental health improvements linked to pet ownership, even though many expected animals to provide protective benefits.
Study Reveals Unexpected Results
Image via iStockphoto/EyeEm Mobile GmbH
A large-scale study conducted by Aarhus University in collaboration with King’s College London tracked 6,018 individuals across the United Kingdom over a 12-month period. Experts used established tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to measure depression and anxiety, alongside assessments for anhedonia and loneliness.
The popular assumption was clear: pet ownership would provide mental health benefits. The findings instead highlighted the opposite. No positive association appeared between owning a pet and experiencing fewer mental health challenges.
In fact, during the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, some pet owners disclosed more severe symptoms than non-owners. This challenges one of the most common assumptions about the relationship between pets and psychological health.
Dog Walking Did Not Improve Mental Health
Since dogs encourage daily activity, many people assume they also encourage mental stability. The survey confirmed that dog owners exercised more often, with 40% walking daily compared with 35% of non-owners. That increased movement created structure in daily routines, yet it is important to note that the professionals did not find a corresponding improvement in mental health outcomes.
Higher physical activity did not lower anxiety or depression scores for owners, which means the connection between exercise and emotional balance was missing. The results suggest that while pets may nudge owners toward healthier habits, they cannot replace effective approaches like therapy or medical treatment when addressing serious mental health challenges.
A Narrow Impact on Loneliness
Image via iStockphoto/Matt Hunt
On the other hand, the research did uncover a limited benefit related to loneliness. Individuals living alone with dogs or cats reported slightly lower loneliness scores compared to those without pets. The effect disappeared for people sharing a household with partners, family, or roommates, which means the benefit only applied in very specific situations.
Experts further used the study to test cultural assumptions such as the “cat lady” stereotype. Women in the study were more likely to own cats, but they showed no higher rates of anxiety, depression, or loneliness as opposed to men.
Why Researchers Urge Caution
Image via Canva/Aflo Images
Professor Christine Parsons, who led the study, pointed out that unrealistic expectations can put pressure on both owners and pets. Media stories often highlight dramatic cases of animals changing lives, which creates an impression that pets can serve as natural antidepressants.
When reality does not match this narrative, owners may feel guilt or frustration, which can damage the relationship. Pets can offer affection and comfort, but they are not substitutes for counseling, therapy, or medication.
The team also emphasized the need to reshape the public conversation, and reminded people that companionship and treatment are not interchangeable concepts.