Animals And Mental Health
- Colette Heiser, LCSW
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
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Did you know that your animal companion can offer mental health benefits? While any pet lover might feel this is simply common sense, research shows that having an animal or pet can reduce the severity and frequency of mental health symptoms such as anxiety or depression, help to achieve better health outcomes, and promote overall wellbeing.
Some practical benefits of having animals include
Providing a routine and sense of purpose
Provide a sense of unconditional love and secure attachment (oxytocin)
Support in addressing or reducing feelings of loneliness
Dogs can encourage folks to go outside and even meet new people
Serve as a grounding force and promote co-regulation
Reduce anxiety by promoting focus in the present moment
Increase in responsibilities that boost self esteem and feelings of empowerment
Both dogs and cats are associated with a lower cardiovascular risk by lowering blood pressure
According to a systematic review of studies published between 1950 and 2019, dog ownership is associated with a “24% risk reduction for all-cause mortality compared to nonownership, with 6 studies demonstrating significant reduction in the risk of death" (1), largely due to reduction in blood pressure, stress and loneliness, as well as an increase in regular physical activity. One study from Washington State University published in 2019 found that petting a dog or cat for about 10 minutes resulted in “significantly lower salivary cortisol levels” (2). Another study published in 2018 found evidence that military service members with PTSD who also lived with a service dog “exhibited significantly less PTSD severity as well as less anger, anxiety, sleep disturbance and alcohol misuse” than those who did not have a service animal. (3)
Companion animals have also been shown to increase connection with other humans. In a study published in 2015, researchers found that 40% of pet owners reported increased social support from other humans they met through their pet (4). Dogs often make it easy, or even necessary, to go on walks, go to dog parks, or strike up conversations with other pet owners. Being connected to an animal companion may also increase feelings of safety when connected, resulting in reduced fear of being close to others. Companion animals may also reduce social anxiety by being a constant support and requiring both routine and regular connection.
Individuals with disabilities, including mental illness, can get a letter attesting to the value of an emotional support animal (ESA) from their provider, which can allow them to receive reasonable accommodations to their dwelling unit under the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act of 1988 defines an assistance animal as any animal that provides emotional support alleviating one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are not permitted to discriminate against a person due to their disabilities. Historically, the Fair Housing Act protected disabled people by requiring that landlords make “reasonable accommodations” to housing units including waiving any policies or fees associated with animals as long as the person can demonstrate and document that an animal assists in managing a disability. Although landlords could reject dangerous or exotic animals, this rule meant that those with proper documentation could have “assistance animals”, such as a dog, cat, fish, bird, or lizard, despite any policy or rule such as pet fees, weight or breed restrictions. Historically, having an “assistance animal” or emotional support animal meant that legally the landlord could not charge the tenant pet fees, pet rent, or place other restrictions (breed, size, weight, etc.)
More recently, in May 2026, the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rescinded this long held policy, and stated that service animals that were not “individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the person’s disability” were no longer protected by previous HUD guidance from 2020. HUD also stated that they would no longer pursue complaints filed by citizens against landlords who deny reasonable accommodations to a support animal that does not meet the legal definition of “service animal”.
While this writer is not a legal expert nor a lawyer, it is important to add that this change was made through a Memo from HUD, and was not a law passed by Congress. It is not unlikely that private citizens could pursue and challenge this change in court, and it will be interesting to see how this dynamic develops.
As always, deciding to adopt an animal, as either a companion or an ESA, is a serious decision that requires a long term commitment; often 5, 20 or even more years. Although ESAs can provide much needed support and relief to folks with mental health concerns, an individual must be intentional. The individual should be willing and able to take on the responsibilities (and honor) of caring for another living being. This means being responsible for its behavior, health, and wellbeing for many years to come. Not everyone with mental health concerns may be a great candidate for having an ESA, and it is important to be realistic in one’s willingness and ability to care for an animal companion. Luckily, there are many animals and living beings to choose from, and finding the right supportive animal is a unique process to each individual. Whether you want to get a dog to go on hikes and provide support, or a fish tank to support in being present and building routine, each person’s journey is one only they can explore themselves.
Do you think an ESA might be appropriate for you, and you want to explore getting a support letter? Does this raise related thoughts? You don't have to face them alone. We're here to support you. We encourage you to reach out by phone, email, or through the contact form on this site.
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