Owning pets boosts mental health during cost of living crisis, study finds

Nearly 94% of pet owners have said that owning a pet makes them happy and their support has been vital as many are forced to make drastic cutbacks to stay afloat, according to the new figures from the upcoming 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report.

While figures have shown that as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets, almost half of owners (44%) have also said that their pets are a lifeline during the cost of living crisis.

The report also stated that nearly 90% of pet owners felt that having a pet improved their lives, this figure is higher especially among dog (91%) and cat owners (89%).

The findings also highlighted the benefits of having a pet on overall health, with 87% stating owning a pet makes them mentally healthier.

While over two thirds (67%) felt it makes them physically healthier – a figure that is even higher among dog owners (86%).

Additionally, over four in five pet owners (85%) say that owning a pet makes them feel less lonely.

Lynne James, PDSA veterinary surgeon, said: “Pets are family, and we know that pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure they can continue to care for their beloved pets. It is vitally important that with everything pets do for us, we make sure that they have everything they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“Our latest figures show pets are invaluable, especially when their owners are going through hardship. As the cost of living crisis worsens, the work of charities like ours becomes vital, not only to provide essential veterinary care, but also to keep pets and their owners together in their time of need.”

She added: “In 2022, we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost and may even have had to resort to other options such as rehoming – the mental health consequences of which are unimaginable.

“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I’d like to encourage pet owners who are struggling due to rising costs, and who are concerned about being able to afford the cost of veterinary treatment, to reach out to us. Our website includes a free eligibility checker to find out whether they’re able to access our services, which is a great place to start. We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy – something we hope will take a mental load off for many pet owners through the cost of living crisis.”