More than a third (39%) of pet owners believe their mental health and wellbeing has improved since having a pet, according to a new Opinium1 survey of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners, for specialist pet insurance provider, Insure Your Paws.
For many, pets are steadfast companions. Owners find stroking them an aid to stress (50%) and admit to relying on them for emotional support (28%). Almost a fifth (19%) also say caring for their pet has encouraged them to take better care of themselves.
They can also help to forge new friendships, with nearly a quarter (24%) saying their pets are social connectors helping them meet new people.
And for dog owners, the benefits also extend to their physical health. Half (50%) say that walking their dog boosts their mental wellbeing, and nearly as many (46%) say they are more physically active overall. In fact, for one in three (34%) dog owners walking their dog is their main form of exercise.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said: "This research confirms what pet owners already know - that pets enrich our lives in many ways. They provide companionship, routine and motivation which encourages us to look after our own health and for dog owners, in particular, to be more physically active.
“At Insure Your Paws, we understand how important protecting our animals’ health is. That’s why choosing the right pet insurance matters. We offer flexible, lifetime pet insurance from eight weeks with a choice of vet fee cover up to £20,000. This includes access to the Assist Your Paws careline providing unlimited veterinary support day and night.”
1Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 30 April – 6 May 2025
