Thinking About Adopting a Pet? Here’s Why You Absolutely Should

It’s no secret to pet parents that life is better with a pet. But did you know that a growing body of research backs this up? Studies and surveys suggest that having a pet offers a wide range of physical, emotional, and social benefits — everything from improved mood and stronger social connections to fewer feelings of loneliness.

In fact, a 2025 study found that pet parenthood is linked to higher life satisfaction, suggesting that having a pet can boost overall life satisfaction by three to four points on a one-to-seven scale.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet and you’re ready for the time, care, and commitment it requires, the following benefits might just encourage you to visit a shelter or hop on Adopt a Pet to start searching for your new best friend.

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1. Pets motivate you to exercise

​Living with a pet can encourage you to move your body and exercise. Dogs, in particular, get their people moving with daily walks and playtime (even on days when staying in pajamas sounds tempting). 

Research supports this: one study found that dog parents were up to four times more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines than people without dogs.

​Even smaller animals, such as cats, encourage gentle activity throughout the day with tasks like playing, refilling food and water bowls, scooping the litter box, and cleaning. All those small moments add up, helping break up long stretches of sitting.

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Having a Pet Can Improve Your Mental Health

Can having a pet help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression? Absolutely—and the research proves it.

2. Pets can reduce stress

​Ever notice how just a few minutes spent petting a dog or listening to a cat’s soothing purr can help your body and mind relax? There’s science behind that calming effect. 

In one study, college students who spent ten minutes interacting with cats and dogs from a local shelter had significantly lower salivary cortisol (“the stress hormone”) levels than those who did not interact with the animals. And in a survey of 1,000 pet parents, a whopping 95 percent said they rely on their pet for stress relief. 

3. Pets can support better heart health

​Pets can support heart health in several ways. Regular walks and playtime increase physical activity, while companionship can lower stress levels, both of which can support cardiovascular health. Some studies have also linked pet parenthood with lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol levels.

Hanna Shot / Stocksy/

4. ​Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness

​The steady presence of a pet can be an effective antidote to loneliness, especially for those who live alone. In one survey, 80 percent of pet parents said their pets make them feel less lonely.

​5. Pets can improve your mood

Pets have a remarkable way of lifting your mood. After all, it’s hard to stay in a bad headspace when you’re greeted by a full-body wiggle or your cat is making biscuits.

It’s not just anecdotal, either. A survey of 1,000 pet parents and 1,000 people without pets found that pet parents reported feeling more loved and generally happier — often significantly so — than those without pets. Another survey found that 74 percent of pet parents reported mental health improvements from having a pet. 

6. Pets encourage routine and purpose

Pets need routine, and that consistency can benefit their humans, too. Feeding, walks, playtime, and daily care add structure to the day and create a sense of responsibility and purpose.

This was reflected in a survey of adults ages 50 to 80, where 73 percent of pet parents said their pet gives them a sense of purpose and 62 percent reported that their pet helps them maintain a daily routine.

7. Pets can boost social connections

Pets are natural conversation starters. You might find yourself chatting with other pet parents at the dog park, bonding with someone in the vet’s waiting room, or swapping pet stories with friends. Pets might even land you more dates. 

This is supported by one survey of almost 2,700 people, which found that pet parents were more likely to meet people in their neighborhood than those without pets. Additionally, 40 percent said they received at least one type of social support through relationships formed because of their pets.

8. Pets can help people feel safer

​Pets, especially dogs, can offer a sense of security and peace of mind. Many studies and anecdotes suggest that homes and neighborhoods with dogs experience less theft and vandalism than those without. This is because many dogs naturally alert their people to unfamiliar sounds and may deter potential intruders.

Cats offer a sense of security, too. Their sharp awareness and companionship can ease fear, especially for people living alone or during stressful times.

Cindy Prins / Stocksy/

9. Pets can teach children responsibility and kindness

With an adult’s oversight, kids can feed, clean, and learn to handle animals gently and respectfully. These daily interactions can ​teach children responsibility, empathy, and compassion.

10. Pets can be great company for seniors

​For many older adults, pets help fill gaps from changing social circles, retirement, or living alone. Their companionship can ease loneliness, encourage activity, and provide comfort.

​Older adults may find that adopting a senior pet is an especially good fit. Senior animals often have calmer energy levels, established personalities, and lower exercise needs, making them great companions for a more relaxed lifestyle.

11. You get a best friend​

Having a pet often feels like having a built-in bestie who’s always there and loves you unconditionally. This was reflected in a poll of 2,200 people, which found that 65 percent consider their pet a true friend. 

Pets are non-judgmental — they don’t care about your bad days, messy hair, or unfinished to-do lists. They show up consistently, offering loyalty, affection, love, and comfort through life’s ups and downs.

Are you ready to adopt?

All of these benefits make it clear that adopting a pet is awesome. Plus, adopting helps save lives and reduce shelter overcrowding. 

But it’s important to understand that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration. Before bringing an animal into your life, consider whether your lifestyle, resources, and expectations align with the responsibilities of caring for a pet.

Here are a few key things to think about before adopting:

• Time commitment: Pets need daily care and attention. Think about whether your schedule allows time for feeding, exercise, play, training, and companionship — or whether you have the means to use support like a dog walker, pet sitter, or daycare when needed.

• Financial responsibility: Beyond adoption fees, pets come with ongoing costs, such as food, supplies, grooming, routine veterinary care, and unexpected medical expenses.

• Energy level: Consider whether your activity level aligns with the needs of the pet you’re considering. For example, don’t choose a high-energy dog if you don’t have a yard or don’t like being active outdoors. 

• Living situation: Consider whether your home is suitable for the pet you’re interested in. If you rent, confirm that pets are allowed and review any restrictions.

• Long-term commitment: Dogs and cats can live up to 20 years. Some other types of pets, such as turtles, can live for decades. Be sure you’re ready to care for them for their entire life and through life changes, such as moves or family changes.

• Support system: Consider who could help with pet care during travel, illness, or emergencies.

If you’re ready to adopt a pet, a great place to start your search is Adopt a Pet. Adopt a Pet makes it easy to browse adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals from shelters, rescues, and individual homes across the country. You can search by location, species, breed, age, size, and traits, so you’re more likely to find a great match for both you and the animal.

Commonly asked questions

How long does it take for a new pet to adjust?

​Adjustment timelines vary, but many people refer to the 3-3-3 rule: about three days to decompress, three weeks to start settling into a routine, and three months to feel fully at home. 

Should I adopt more than one pet at the same time?

​It depends. Some pets do best with a companion, while others prefer to be alone. Shelters and rescues can offer insight into each animal’s social needs. Also, consider your living space, time, and finances before adopting multiple pets.

Is adopting a senior pet a good option?

​Yes. Senior pets typically have calmer temperaments and predictable personalities, making care more manageable. Though they may need additional care, they offer steady, calm companionship.

References

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Gmeiner, Michael W, and Adelina Gschwandtner. “The Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life Satisfaction.” Social Indicators Research, 31 Mar. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-025-03574-1.

“How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging.” Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, 3 Apr. 2019, ihpi.umich.edu/national-poll-healthy-aging/national-findings/how-pets-contribute-healthy-aging.

‌Levine, Glenn N., et al. “Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk.” Circulation, vol. 127, no. 23, 11 June 2013, pp. 2353–2363, www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829201e1, https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0b013e31829201e1.

Maugeri, Andrea, et al. “Dog Ownership and Cardiovascular Health: Results from the Kardiovize 2030 Project.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, vol. 3, no. 3, Sept. 2019, pp. 268–275, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542454819300888, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.07.007. Accessed 20 Nov. 2019.

Pendry, Patricia, and Jaymie L. Vandagriff. “Animal Visitation Program (AVP) Reduces Cortisol Levels of University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” AERA Open, vol. 5, no. 2, Apr. 2019, p. 233285841985259, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2332858419852592, https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419852592.

‌Pinchak, Nicolo P, et al. “Paws on the Street: Neighborhood-Level Concentration of Households with Dogs and Urban Crime.” Social Forces, vol. 101, no. 4, 25 June 2022, pp. 1888–1917, https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soac059. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

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‌“We Asked 86 Burglars How They Broke into Homes.” Kgw.com, 2017, www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/we-asked-86-burglars-how-they-broke-into-homes/344213396.

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