I’ve had cats my entire life, and I’m convinced that COVID-19 would have driven me batshit crazy without my furry babies.
Humans have long known the calming effects of animals – long before we understood the science behind it. Even in ancient Greece and Rome, dogs were believed to promote healing and similar to now were often kept for emotional support.
The first recorded use of animals in mental health care dates back to 1792, when The York Retreat in England allowed patients with mental illness to engage with small domestic animals. It was believed that caring for animals could help foster empathy and reduce agitation.
Fast forward to the 1940’s and ‘50’s, when the US government began experimenting with using animals to support soldiers experiencing PTSD. Then in the 1960’s, child psychologist Dr. Boris Levinson coined the term pet therapy after noticing that his dog’s presence helped withdrawn children open up emotionally during therapy sessions.
By the 1980s, animal-assisted therapy was officially recognized as a field. Animals began to appear in hospitals, hospices, and even pre-surgery settings to help reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. Today, it’s not uncommon to find therapy dogs, cats, and even horses comforting people in waiting rooms or participating in therapy sessions.
As for me, I’ve always used my animals as therapy. There’s nothing quite like petting a cat or dog to calm my nervous system and bring me into the present moment. Anyone who’s ever shared their life with an animal understands the profound, unconditional love and support they offer.
Recently, I came across a fascinating study that finally offers scientific proof of what animal lovers have always known. Researchers Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner (University of Kent) and Dr. Michael Gmeiner (London School of Economics) analyzed 2,500 British households using the Life Satisfaction Approach. They found that owning a pet – such as a dog or a cat – can increase life satisfaction by three to four points on a seven-point scale.
To put that into perspective, they equated the happiness boost from pet ownership to either being in a happy marriage or earning an extra $90,000 annually.
Beyond the emotional benefits, the study highlighted several physical advantages: reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and increased physical activity. Pet owners also tend to be more open, conscientious, and extroverted.
In short, animals don’t just fill our hearts – they make our lives healthier, happier and more whole.
The science is in: our furry companions truly are good medicine.
Thank you for reading. With warmest wishes, Your WILDFIT coach.
