People prefer spending time with pets over loved ones when stressed, survey says

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FILE - Photo of a dog and its owner cuddling on a couch. (Credit: Calm and Mars Inc.) 

LOS ANGELES - Who can deny cuddles from a beloved pet can reduce stress? For pet lovers, not many.

A survey conducted by the Calm App and Mars Inc., a pet food company, found that more than half of pet owners said they preferred to spend time with their pets when feeling stressed – not people. 

6 out of 10 prefer pets over people

Dig deeper:

Not only did most pet owners prefer pets to people when it comes to dealing with stress, over 70% said they value "silent support," meaning they find talking to their pets is far more relaxing than to another person.

What’s more, 83% of the people surveyed said they believed their pets have positively impacted their mental well-being.

What they're saying:

"While we love our pets, we often don't realise how much they give back," said Dr. Tammie King, a specialist in human-animal interaction and Senior Research Manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

Mental health and pets

Pets, though it may be unintentional, give reminders to their owners to take a mental health break, according to experts.

What they're saying:

"We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall well-being, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there. A quick dog walk, or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen, can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge," Dr. Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm, said.

By the numbers:

• 78% said their pet reminds them to pause and take a break from work, chores, or tasks, with 50% saying it happens daily.
• 73% of owners said their pet helps them feel calmer and more centered, leading to less overthinking and worrying.
• 73% of owners said their pet gives them a reason to spend time outside by going on walks.
• 77% said their pets help them take breaks from staring at their screens, with 50% saying these reminders happen daily which is "a vital counter to constant scrolling and digital burnout." 

A 2024 survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found that 84% of pet owners said their pet had a positive impact on their mental health.

Additionally, a 2022 study found that petting dogs or even just observing them can help lead to increased focus and attention.

It was also found in that same study that the positive effects of petting a dog lasted even after the dog was gone.