A new study has found that owning a cat or dog can provide the same psychological benefits as having a husband or wife, or even earning an extra £70,000 a year. Researchers at Kent University have concluded that pets, particularly cats and dogs, can significantly enhance life satisfaction—offering emotional and mental benefits comparable to those of human relationships or a higher income.
The study, which surveyed 2,500 British families, employed the “life satisfaction” approach, a method used by economists to quantify intangible factors like friendship and family in terms of a hypothetical income. The findings show that pet ownership leads to an increase in life satisfaction by 3-4 points on a 1-7 scale, a figure comparable to regularly meeting with friends and relatives.
Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner, the lead author of the study, explained the motivation behind the research. She was inspired by previous studies that assigned monetary value to human friendships and wondered if the same approach could be applied to pets. “I thought, ‘well, if it’s possible for friends, why not for pets?’” Dr. Gschwandtner said.
Interestingly, the study suggests that many pet owners may not fully realize just how valuable their pets are for their emotional wellbeing. As pets are often viewed as family members or best friends, the benefits they provide may be more significant than people think.
Economists have long established that marriage, in terms of life satisfaction, is equivalent to earning around £70,000 a year. Conversely, separation can lead to a loss of life satisfaction equivalent to minus £170,000 annually. Dr. Gschwandtner pointed out that pets, like spouses, have a significant impact on a person’s happiness, potentially offering similar emotional support.
Pets have long been recognized for their health benefits. Regular dog walking is linked to better cardiovascular health, while having a cat in the household has been shown to lower the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pet allergens. Simply petting animals has been found to reduce stress hormone levels and promote calmness, potentially lowering blood pressure and reducing the likelihood of clinical depression.
“This research answers the question of whether overall pet companions are good for us with a resounding ‘Yes,’” said Dr. Gschwandtner. “Pets care for us, and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship. This information can be used for healthcare practices and policies aimed at increasing wellbeing and life satisfaction through pet ownership.”
The study echoes findings from a 2022 Pets at Home survey, which revealed that more than a quarter of people preferred to spend time with their pets over their partners after a long workday.
This groundbreaking research, titled “The Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life Satisfaction,” highlights the significant role pets play in improving our mental and emotional wellbeing and suggests their value extends far beyond simple companionship.
