Pets often receive praise for enhancing both mental and physical health. However, recent research from the University of Basel in Switzerland challenges this notion. The study examined data from 2,328 adults and found little evidence that merely owning a pet improves overall health. Instead, factors such as the time spent with animals and perceived emotional support appear to be more influential.
Understanding the Human-Animal Bond
Previous research on the benefits of pet ownership has yielded mixed results. Some studies link pets to lower stress and increased physical activity. Others see little measurable benefit. To explore these discrepancies, researchers analyzed various aspects of animal companionship. They looked at pet ownership, regular contact with animals, emotional attachment, time spent with animals, and their role as sources of support.
The study compared these factors with measures of physical health, psychological well-being, loneliness, life satisfaction, and social support. Overall results showed no broad correlation between pet ownership and improved health or psychological aspects.
Unexpected Findings
Pet owners reported slightly worse health and a marginal increase in cigarette consumption compared to non-owners. Furthermore, participants perceiving greater emotional support from pets reported lower psychological well-being and increased loneliness. However, these findings should not be seen as evidence that pets adversely affect health. The study’s observational nature means it can’t establish causality. It is possible that individuals facing health challenges may seek comfort from pets, rather than pets causing these challenges.
The differences observed were minimal. For instance, the average difference in smoking was only 0.19 cigarettes per day. Additionally, the connection between high emotional support from pets and poorer psychological well-being could indicate that struggling individuals may rely more on pets for comfort.
Interactions with Dogs and Gender Differences
Among the animals studied, interactions with dogs correlated with stronger emotional attachment and perceived support compared to other species. Women reported higher levels of emotional attachment and support from animals than men. These findings suggest that the quality of the relationship between owner and animal plays a significant role in the perceived benefits.
Researchers recommend future studies to focus on how individuals interact with animals and the impact those relationships have on daily life. Limitations of the study include its reliance on self-reported data, its restriction to Swiss adults, and its snapshot measurement. Future research could benefit from including objective health measures, diverse populations, and long-term studies.
For pet owners, these findings underscore the intricate nature of the human-animal relationship. Ownership alone may not convey benefits, but the emotional bonds formed with pets can influence well-being significantly.
Source: Marti R, Hediger K, Pauli E, Hattendorf J. “Factors of pet ownership associated with human health: A representative cross-sectional survey of Switzerland.” PLOS One, 2026;21(7):e0352778. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352778.