Animals provide significant benefits to humans in regards to emotional support. Through acts such as listening without judgment, and being there when you feel lonely — this positive impact is a fact that is also supported by various studies.

 In a study led by the University of Liverpool, research papers from 17 different countries were examined regarding the positive impact of pets on human mental well-being.¹ The result overwhelmingly supported the view that dogs, cats and other companion animals have a demonstrably positive effect on their human owners, regardless of age. The investigations looked at both adults and children suffering from a variety of mental health problems. They all lived in households with animals of various species. The important role of animals in the life of people with mental health issues became very clear.

Significant findings are reported, for instance, in connection with war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and the influence of their dogs. The veterans’ four-legged friends helped them to relax more, reducing their worries, irritability and sense of loneliness. The very presence of animals, as well as the physical contact offered by stroking them, had a positive effect on the veterans.

What also became clear from the studies is that animals offer a 'constant source of comfort and affection' for people who are struggling with their mental health. Pet owners pointed out the innate ability of their animals to sense when support is needed in terms of their attention; their companionship; and physical contact. Especially in “times of crisis” for their human owners, they showed their gift/ability to react intuitively to their owners when in need and to provide great emotional support. It was shown that animals were able to distract their owners from disturbing experiences such as suffering panic attacks, helping to reduce memories of traumatic experiences or even suicidal thoughts.

While people who suffer from mental health problems often find it difficult to open up to other people, they can easily communicate with their pets and are able to express their feelings to their pet because the animal simply listens without judging.

Humans usually cannot view criminals without judging them (even subconsciously), animals however interact with the inmates completely without bias or prejudice. Their impartial presence makes it easier for prisoners to open up, free from the fear of being rejected because of their crime. This is of great importance in the context of animal-assisted interventions which prepare prisoners for life outside prison walls.

Offenders serving longer prison sentences are increasingly confronted with loneliness, and a resulting inability to re-establish contacts and re-socialize in later life. Animals are reported to reduce the feeling of loneliness, giving a little more meaning to life and improving long-term social skills.

In other cases, animals were the ones who enabled their owners to free themselves from their self-created isolation and literally take a step outside to interact with other people.

If you are thinking about getting a pet for yourself or a family member, it's important to remember that animals are not only there for your comfort. They have individual needs that must be met, and owning a pet also involves considerable costs. Additionally, pets may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health challenges, so it's essential to consult both a doctor and a veterinarian before making a decision. If you determine that the conditions are right for welcoming an animal into your life, then your first step should be to visit an animal shelter to find your new companion.