Your Pet Can Make You Happier, Study Shows

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Reviewed by: AOdutola, MBBS, PhD

A black lady fondling her pet. Image credit: Freepik

In many African homes, pets are more than just animals; they are loyal companions, part of the family and sometimes even trusted guardians. Whether it's a dog barking at the gate, a cat yawning lazily or a goat following a child around the compound, our relationships with animals run deep.

A recent study has suggested that apart from companionship and security, these animals also play a bigger role in our happiness. In fact, owning pets enhances life satisfaction so much that it can be compared to the joy we get from spending time with close family and friends.

For a continent like Africa, where mental health support is often limited and community bonds are changing with the emigration of loved ones, this insight could be more important than ever.

About the Study

In the past, many studies have shown a link between pet ownership and happiness but those studies had a big limitation as they couldn't say for sure if pets made people happier or if naturally happier people were more likely to get pets. Hence, the researchers wanted to understand if pets actually cause people to feel more satisfied with their lives and not just whether happy people are more likely to own pets.

To do this, researchers used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, a long-running survey that tracks people’s lives over time. They applied a method called an instrumental variable approach, which is designed to help find out the true cause of a result. In simple terms, this method helps researchers avoid jumping to conclusions by filtering out other possible explanations.

One clever way they did this was by looking at people who were asked to watch over their neighbours' property, which could include taking care of pets. This helped them identify people who were more likely to end up owning pets, without simply relying on personality traits or lifestyle choices.

This gave the scientists a clearer picture of how much pet ownership itself influenced life satisfaction.

What the Study Found

The researchers discovered that people who owned pets experienced a significant increase in their overall life satisfaction, scoring 3 to 4 points higher on a standard 1–7 scale used to measure happiness. This is no small boost and it’s comparable to the emotional benefit people get from regularly spending time with close friends and family.

To put the benefit in economic terms, the scientists estimated that the emotional gain from having a pet is equivalent to receiving an additional income of up to £70,000 per year. Although that’s not money in your pocket, it shows how valuable the companionship and emotional support from pets can be and its impact on mental well-being.

The study also confirmed that the boost in happiness wasn’t just because pet owners were already happier to begin with. Through careful statistical methods, the study showed that the act of owning a pet itself was what made the difference.

What This Mean for Africans

Across Africa, pets are increasingly being seen as more than just animals for guarding the home or catching pests. Urbanisation, rising incomes and exposure to global media are changing how we relate to animals. Dogs and cats are now more commonly kept indoors, taken for walks and given names and identities.

This study adds strong scientific backing to what many pet lovers already feel. For families battling stress, loneliness or isolation, especially in cities where community ties are often weaker, a pet could be a valuable source of emotional support.

With mental health becoming a bigger issue across the continent, this is an opportunity for African health policymakers, therapists and even urban planners to consider how pet-friendly environments could help improve overall well-being. Parks where people can walk their dogs, clinics that support pet-assisted therapy and education campaigns about responsible pet care could all play a part.

Should Everyone Get a Pet?

Although this research has discovered the boost pets can give human lives, that doesn't mean everyone should get a pet for them to be happy. This is because pets are a responsibility and they need food, shelter, time, attention and medical care.

In areas where poverty and access to veterinary services are a concern, owning a pet may not be practical for everyone. But for those who have the means and are able to care properly for an animal, the emotional and psychological benefits may be well worth it.

It's also important to consider cultural attitudes. In some communities, pets are not traditionally seen as companions and changing this mindset will take time and education.

Wrap Up

This study confirms something many pet owners already know in their hearts, that animals can be a true source of happiness. More than just fun to have around, pets may play a powerful role in improving our well-being and now, science is backing that up.

If you're thinking of getting a pet, or if you already have one, take a moment to appreciate the joy they bring. In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, something as simple as a wagging tail or a soft purr might be one of the most effective and affordable forms of therapy to have.

Source: Gmeiner, M.W., Gschwandtner, A. The Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life Satisfaction. Soc Indic Res (2025). Doi:10.1007/s11205-025-03574-1. Available from here

Related: Why mental health matters

Published: April 24, 2025

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