Pets and animals

An animal can be a warm, steady presence. A cat on your lap or a dog waiting at the door can make a quiet home feel less empty. Caring for an animal also gives a day shape: feeding, walks, play.

But a pet is a living being with needs, costs and a long life. It is not a cure for loneliness, and it can't replace people. This page looks honestly at both sides.

What research says

The evidence is mixed. A 2022 review of 24 studies found that only some of them showed a clear link between owning a pet and feeling less lonely or isolated. The link looked stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were stuck at home. A few studies even found pet owners were more lonely.

Why so mixed? Pets help some people a lot and others not much. A pet may also be a comfort to people who were already doing well. Most studies take a snapshot in time, so they can't show cause and effect.

What seems clearer is that animals, especially dogs, can help you meet people.

Dogs as a social bridge

Dogs get you outside, often at the same times and places every day. Strangers smile, ask the dog's name, and stop to chat.

In a 2015 study across four cities in the U.S. and Australia, pet owners were more likely than non-owners to get to know people in their neighborhood. Dog owners in the U.S. cities were more likely to make friends through their pet. About about 4 in 10Pet owners who got some kind of support from people they met through their pet (Wood et al., 2015)As of April 29, 2015.42% in phone surveys in Perth (Australia), San Diego, Portland and Nashville. Support included emotional help, advice and practical favors.Source: Wood et al., PLOS ONE: The Pet Factor – Companion Animals as a Conduit for Getting to Know People, Friendship Formation and Social Support pet owners said they'd received some kind of help or support from people they met through their pet.

To make the most of this:

• Walk the same route at the same time. You'll see the same people.
• Try a dog park or a training class. Regulars soon know each other, at least by their dogs' names.
• Learn names. "Hi, Max's owner" can become "Hi, Sam."

Cats and smaller pets

Cats suit people who are home a lot, live in small spaces, or can't walk a dog. They are company at home but rarely lead to new friends. Smaller pets like fish, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats each have their own needs. Some birds and rabbits need more care, space and company than people expect, and some live for many years. Read up before you choose.

Costs and responsibility

Pets cost more than most people expect. In its 2021 estimates, the ASPCA put a dog's first year at about $3,221Estimated cost of a dog's first year (ASPCA, 2021 update)As of January 1, 2021.The first year costs more because of spay or neuter, vaccines, microchip, crate and other one-time items.Source: ASPCA: Cutting Pet Care Costs and later years at about $1,391Estimated yearly cost of keeping a dog after the first year (ASPCA, 2021 update)As of January 1, 2021.Includes food, routine vet care, insurance, toys and treats. Does not include boarding, dog walking or emergencies. Prices have risen since 2021.Source: ASPCA: Cutting Pet Care Costs a year. For a cat, it estimated about $1,904Estimated cost of a cat's first year (ASPCA, 2021 update)As of January 1, 2021.Source: ASPCA: Cutting Pet Care Costs for the first year and $1,149Estimated yearly cost of keeping a cat after the first year (ASPCA, 2021 update)As of January 1, 2021.Includes food, litter, routine vet care and insurance. Prices have risen since 2021.Source: ASPCA: Cutting Pet Care Costs a year after that. Prices have gone up since, and an emergency vet bill can cost far more.

Other things to think about:

• Time. Dogs need walks every day, in all weather. Pets need care when you are sick or away.
• Housing. Many rentals limit pets or charge pet fees or deposits.
• Lifespan. Many cats and dogs live 10 to 15 years or more. Who would care for your pet if you couldn't?
• Your health. Allergies, mobility and fall risk (a dog that pulls, a cat underfoot) matter, especially as you get older.

Some shelters and nonprofits offer low-cost vet care, food banks for pets, or reduced adoption fees. Ask your local shelter.

When a pet may not be right just now

It may be wiser to wait if:

• Money is very tight, or you might move soon.
• You are often away for long hours.
• You are in a very low place and can't yet care for yourself well. That's nothing to be ashamed of. Taking care of you comes first. See Depression and loneliness.
• Someone else is pushing you into it.

There are other ways to have animals in your life.

Animals without owning one

• Foster. Many shelters and rescue groups need people to care for animals at home for a few weeks or months. The group often pays for food and vet care. Fostering lets you try life with an animal and gives you a reason to talk to the rescue's volunteers.
• Volunteer at a shelter. Walk dogs, socialize cats, clean, or help at adoption events. You work beside other volunteers every week. See Volunteering.
• Help a neighbor. Offer to walk the dog of an older or busy neighbor, or pet-sit when they travel. This builds a bond with the person too.
• Visit people with a therapy animal. If you have a calm, friendly pet, groups like Pet Partners train and register volunteer teams to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries. There is training, a vet check and an evaluation.
• Be visited. Many hospitals, care homes and colleges host therapy animal visits. Ask if yours does.
• Horses. Therapeutic riding and equine programs offer riding, groundwork and volunteering. PATH International lists member centers in the U.S. and Canada, many of which need volunteers to lead horses and help riders.
• Farms, sanctuaries and wildlife groups often welcome volunteers too.

Emotional support animals and service animals (U.S.)

These are often confused.

• A service animal, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a dog trained to do a specific task for a person with a disability, such as guiding someone who is blind, or sensing an oncoming anxiety attack and acting to lessen it. Trained psychiatric service dogs count. Service dogs may go into most public places. In some cases, a trained miniature horse is allowed too.
• An emotional support animal comforts its owner just by being there, but is not trained for a task. Under the ADA, it is not a service animal, so stores and restaurants don't have to allow it.
• Planes. Since a 2020 Department of Transportation rule, U.S. airlines don't have to treat emotional support animals as service animals. They may fly under the airline's pet rules.
• Housing. Federal housing rules on emotional support animals have been changing; news reports in 2026 describe new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidance that gives less protection to animals that aren't trained for a task. Some state and local laws give more protection. Check with a local fair housing group before you rely on any rule.

Be wary of websites that sell animal "certificates", vests or registrations. The U.S. Justice Department says these documents give no rights under the ADA.

Losing a pet can hurt as much as losing a person. If you're grieving an animal, that grief is real, and it's OK to talk about it. See Someone to talk to.