From their boop-able noses and mischievous antics to the unwavering love they provide, animals have a unique way of brightening our days. But pets are more than just a cute face—they’re also a boon for our health.

The proof is in the numbers: According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pet ownership saves the U.S. health care system roughly $23 billion yearly due to fewer doctor visits, less obesity, and better mental wellness.¹ Another study found that 75% of doctors would “prescribe” a pet to improve a person’s overall health.²

During a presentation at our Age + Action conference, Jules Benson, BVSc MRCVS, Vice President of Pet Health and Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide, spoke about the science-backed ways pets can positively impact the health of older adults. “About 20 or 30 years ago, we started to see a big increase in the amount of scientific research around the bond pets have with people, and vice versa,” he said.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the link between pets and healthy aging.

3 ways having a pet can make us healthier

1. Pets improve our physical health. Regular interaction with pets encourages more physical activity throughout the day, whether it's active play outside or gentle grooming indoors. The activities of pet ownership can help you lower your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol; maintain a healthy weight; strengthen your bones and joints; and improve your stamina.

Consider these “paws-itively awesome” study findings about pets and physical health:

• In one study Benson cited, dog owners were 34% more likely to walk at least 150 minutes per week compared to non-dog owners.³  
• Research has linked dog ownership to a 24% lower risk of death from any cause and a 31% lower risk for cardiovascular-related deaths.⁴
• It’s not just dogs that give humans a leg up on their heart health. “A study of 2,400 cat owners found that their risk for cardiovascular death, including stroke and heart attack, was significantly decreased,” Benson shared.⁵

2. Pets improve our mental health and well-being. Pets love us unconditionally, and they're great listeners. One goofy grin is enough to put a smile on our face after a tough day. It’s no wonder, then, that 86% of pet owners in one poll said their pets have a mostly positive effect on their mental health.⁶

Below are more mental and emotional perks of pets:

• Pets are natural stress busters. An American Heart Association survey found that 95% of pet parents turn to their animal for stress relief.⁷ Less tension can lead to a stronger immune system, better-quality sleep, and a reduced risk of developing stress-related health issues (e.g., hypertension).
• Pets are shown to help people suffering from depression and anxiety, which often co-occur in older adults.
• The constant companionship animals offer can ease feelings of isolation. A survey from HABRI and Mars Petcare found that 85% of respondents believe interaction with companion animals can reduce loneliness.⁸
• Pets give us a sense of purpose through daily activities like feeding, walking, and playing. This routine can be helpful for people with mental health issues. "Having another living being to focus on and give attention to on a daily basis is really important, especially for older adults living alone," Benson explained.
• Playing with and talking to our animals boosts the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin while reducing stress-related hormones like cortisol, leading to improved mood and less anxiety. This might explain why in one analysis, patients reported improved levels of pain and energy and better mood after being visited by dogs in the hospital.⁹

3. Pets help us stay socially connected. “He’s so cute! May I pet him?” Having a pet is an automatic icebreaker, inspiring us to chat with others during walks and visits to the vet. These encounters can spark new friendships and stronger social networks. For people who are shy, pets provide a shared interest that makes it easier to start conversations and build relationships.

What’s more, pets foster a sense of community and belonging. Pet parents often form bonds with each other by exchanging experiences and offering mutual support. This gives them opportunities to connect with others in meaningful and fulfilling ways.

Considerations of owning a pet

It’s clear pets can enhance our well-being as we age. But there are practical aspects to consider as well—like whether you have enough living space to house a pet comfortably and the time to tend to their training and care.

Additionally, pet ownership can be expensive. It’s not just feeding, grooming, and boarding; you must also think about how you’ll afford routine and unexpected vet bills. This brings us to an important question: Does it make sense to buy pet insurance?

Is pet insurance worth it?

Pets are known to get themselves into sticky situations. Just ask Giles, a cat in New York City. After getting trapped in his owner's folded-up sofa bed, poor Giles ended up at the vet with stitches—and his owner ended up with a hefty vet bill.

Stories like Giles’ aren't unusual. The price of urban veterinarian services rose by nearly 8% from February 2023 to February 2024 (more than twice the average of all consumer items). Urban vet care costs have jumped by nearly 60% over the last decade due to inflation and advances in veterinary medicine.¹⁰

If you’re wondering, “Is pet insurance worth it?”, here are a 3 things to think about:

1. Veterinary costs can strain your budget: A recent study found nearly 28% of pet households had barriers to veterinary care, with finances topping the list of reasons.¹¹ "It can be a stressor if you have a sick pet, or if you have a pet who has other needs,” said Benson. “You can have caregiver burden."
2. Pet insurance provides peace of mind: These plans may cover some or most of your vet bills, depending on the plan. By paying a monthly premium, you can worry less about surprise medical issues, ensuring your fuzzy sidekick receives timely care without the stress of a large bill.
3. Pet insurance is not just for emergencies: Chronic conditions like heart disease and skin allergies can require daily medications, regular tests, and multiple trips to the vet—all of which may fall under certain plans.

Deciding whether pet insurance is worth it depends on different factors, including the health and age of your pet, your budget, and your willingness to cover unforeseen veterinary costs. If you do decide to buy it, make sure you review the terms and coverage of different plans. You should also compare the cost of premiums to your pet's expected health care requirements and routine vet expenses.

There’s no “one size fits all” solution for covering veterinary care costs. Ultimately, it all boils down to your pet’s needs, your personal financial situation, and your desire to have a safety net should the unexpected happen to your cherished companion.

Sources

1. Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). The Health Care Cost Savings of Pet Ownership. Found on the internet at https://habri.org/assets/uploads/Health-Care-Cost-Savings-Report.pdf

2. Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). New Survey Reveals 97% of Doctors Believe There Are Health Benefits to Owning a Pet. Found on the internet at: https://habri.org/pressroom/20141027

3. Mathew J. Reeves et al. The Impact of Dog Walking on Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results From a Population-Based Survey of Michigan Adults. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. March 2011. Found on the internet at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51045798_The_Impact_of_Dog_Walking_on_Leisure-Time_Physical_Activity_Results_From_a_Population-Based_Survey_of_Michigan_Adults

4. Caroline K. Kramer et al. Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circulation. October 2019. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31592726/

5. Adnan I Qureshi, MD, et al. Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. January 2009. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/

6. American Psychiatric Association. Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats Equally Beneficial. March 1, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/positive-mental-health-impact-of-pets

7. American Heart Association. New survey: 95% of pet parents rely on their pet for stress relief. June 20, 2022. Found on the internet at: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-survey-95-of-pet-parents-rely-on-their-pet-for-stress-relief

8. Human Animal Bond Institute. New Report on Addressing the Loneliness Crisis through the Power of Pets. February 20, 2020. Found on the internet at https://habri.org/pressroom/20200220

9. Amanda Bulette Coakley, RN, PhD et al. Creating a Therapeutic and Healing Environment with a Pet Therapy program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. June 2009. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2798799

10. USA Today. A big pet peeve: Soaring costs of vet care bite into owners' budgets. April 16, 2024. Found on the internet at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/16/vet-pet-care-cost-rising/73098326007/

11.Maddie's Fund/The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy. December 17, 2018. Found on the internet at https://pphe.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/avcc-report.pdf