Think your furry friend is just a lovable companion? Think again.
A groundbreaking new study reveals that owning a cat or dog can boost your happiness.
Pets dramatically increase life satisfaction
Researchers found that owning a dog or cat improves life satisfaction to a degree comparable with making an additional $92,655 annually.
That’s on par with major life events like marriage or entering a long-term partnership.
The pet makes you happy
The study confirmed that pets actively contribute to happiness. It’s not simply that happy people are more likely to have pets – the pets themselves make the difference.
As valuable as close relationships
Having a pet brought similar happiness levels to regularly seeing friends and family.
That companionship is powerful, especially for those who might lack strong social networks.
Pets help combat loneliness
Experts emphasized that pets provide critical emotional support. In a world facing a loneliness epidemic, pets can serve as consistent, comforting companions.
Pet owners have distinctive personality traits
While pet owners tend to be more open, conscientious, and extroverted, researchers controlled for these traits to isolate the true impact of pet ownership on happiness.
Only cats and dogs counted in the study
This study specifically focused on cat and dog owners. The emotional value doesn’t necessarily apply to other pets like rabbits, fish, or reptiles.
Clever method confirmed cause and effect
To prove that pets cause happiness (and not the other way around), researchers used a unique analytical tool: asking if people look after their neighbors’ homes when they ware gone – a behavior linked to pet ownership, but not happiness.
Findings could influence law and policy
The results may lead to rethinking how pets are valued legally.
In some courts, animals are still considered property. Researchers argue they should be seen more like family members.
Pets could play a role in mental health programs
Experts say pets should be part of community mental health strategies. Their proven benefits could be harnessed in therapy programs or social outreach initiatives.
Dollar value makes the case for decision-makers
Putting an economic value on pet ownership helps policymakers grasp just how beneficial pets are.
It also allows comparisons to more tangible projects, like building a new park or funding healthcare programs.
This article is based on information from Health.com.