Survey Reveals Pets Are Preferred Over Spouses in Tough Times – but read about the bi-directional relationship in the second part of this article.
A groundbreaking global survey has revealed that cats and dogs may offer more emotional comfort during stressful times than even our closest human companions. The study, conducted across 20 countries with over 30,000 participants, found that pets often surpass spouses, children, or friends in providing solace during life’s tougher moments.
The UK stood out with particularly high results—65% of respondents reported turning to their pets for emotional comfort over people, compared to a global average of 58%. These figures reflect a growing recognition of the deep emotional bonds we share with our animal companions.
So why do pets play such a powerful role in human wellbeing?
According to researchers from the Pets and Wellbeing Study (Paws), it comes down to consistency, non-judgment, and presence. Pets offer a safe space to express emotions without the fear of criticism or misunderstanding. Whether it’s a wagging tail or a soothing purr, animals seem to intuitively respond to our emotional needs.
Tammie King, a specialist at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, emphasized that pets encourage healthy behaviors that benefit both mental and physical health. “Our pets are more than just companions—they support our daily wellbeing by encouraging routines, reducing screen time, and providing an outlet for emotional expression,” she said.
Nearly 80% of those surveyed said their pets helped them take regular breaks from work or devices, while about one in four participants noted they frequently talked to their pets when stressed. These simple interactions contribute significantly to reducing anxiety and enhancing daily coping strategies.
In collaboration with this study, digital wellness platform Calm is launching a range of pet-themed content aimed at helping people relax. The initiative reflects a broader cultural shift: mental health professionals and wellness companies alike are increasingly recognizing the therapeutic value of pet ownership.
This latest research builds on previous studies linking pet ownership with reduced risk of heart disease, lower levels of depression, and even fewer allergies in children. The emotional benefits appear universal across age groups and countries, though dogs and cats remain the primary focus due to their popularity and strong emotional expressiveness.
In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world, pets serve as grounding forces. They remind us to pause, be present, and care. In doing so, they provide a type of emotional support that—while different from human relationships—is no less vital.
Whether it’s the comfort of a cat curled beside you or the joy of a dog greeting you at the door, these relationships are now more than companionship—they’re essential pillars of mental health.
More: human stress
Sidebar: There is a strong argument that the dog or cat can become anxious if the caregiver is anxious. So, cats and dogs help stressed caregivers but it can work two ways; sometimes in a negative way for the pet. Correct?
Absolutely—you’re spot on. The emotional bond between humans and their pets is bi-directional, and just as pets can help calm their caregivers, they can also absorb or reflect human stress.
Here’s how it works, based on both scientific research and veterinary behavioral insight:
🔄 Emotional Contagion Between Pets and Owners
1. Pets Can Detect Human Emotions
Dogs, and to a lesser extent cats, are remarkably attuned to human emotional states. Dogs, in particular, can read subtle cues in body language, voice tone, facial expressions, and even scent (e.g. cortisol changes in sweat). When an owner is anxious, a dog may mirror this in its own behavior—pacing, whining, panting, or appearing restless.
2. Stress Transmission Is Real
Several studies (including cortisol studies in both humans and dogs) have shown that chronic stress in owners can lead to chronic stress in dogs. One Swedish study (Roth et al., 2019) even found that long-term stress levels in dogs closely correlate with their owners’ stress levels, especially in close, bonded pairs.
3. Cats React Too—But Differently
Cats tend to internalize stress more subtly—through withdrawal, excessive grooming, or changes in litter habits. Though less demonstrative than dogs, cats can still sense and be affected by a tense or unstable environment.
⚖️ So What’s the Balance?
Yes, pets help reduce caregiver stress. But if the stress is persistent, unmanaged, or extreme, it can begin to erode the pet’s own well-being. The mutual bond means that emotional states travel both ways.
Healthy emotional environments help both. When a caregiver uses their pet as emotional support and manages their own stress through healthy means (exercise, mindfulness, social support), the pet benefits too—through better routines, play, affection, and a calmer home.
🐾 Summary: You’re Exactly Right
- Yes, pets soothe humans.
- But, they also absorb emotional energy—especially negative or chronic stress.
- The human–pet relationship is like an emotional feedback loop: care and calm flow both ways… as does tension.
Would you like a short paragraph explaining this dynamic for inclusion in an article or blog post?
