Animals have a special way of making us feel better, even on the worst of days. Whether it’s the wag of a tail, the quiet purr of a cat or watching fish swim around peacefully in a tank, animals can bring a sense of calm and connection that’s hard to explain. And it’s not just pet owners who benefit. Animal interaction, even in short bursts, can have a real impact on our mood and mental health.
In this article, we’ll explore the many ways animals can help us feel better. We’ll look at how they support our emotional wellbeing, offer routine and comfort, and even help in therapeutic settings. You don’t need to be an animal expert or even have a pet to enjoy the mental health benefits animals can bring.
Table of Contents:
Why animals make us feel better
Animals don’t judge us. They don’t care what we look like or how we feel. This makes being around them a safe and accepting experience, especially for those who struggle with mental health. Just spending time with an animal can help us feel grounded and connected.
Here are a few reasons why animals have such a positive impact:
- They offer unconditional love: Pets love us just as we are. This kind of acceptance can be powerful, especially for anyone feeling isolated or unworthy.
- They live in the moment: Animals aren’t worrying about the future or the past. Their presence can help us stay present too.
- They respond to emotion: Many animals pick up on our moods. A dog might rest its head on your lap when you’re sad, or a cat might curl up beside you after a tough day.
Even short interactions with animals have been shown to lower stress hormones, increase levels of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s stroking a dog, feeding a guinea pig or watching birds in the garden, animals invite us to slow down and breathe.
Pets and routine: a helpful structure
One of the challenges of managing mental health is sticking to a routine. Days can blur into each other when we feel low or overwhelmed, and even small tasks can feel huge. Animals need care, and this gives us purpose and structure.
Pets keep us moving
Whether it’s walking a dog, feeding a cat, or cleaning out a rabbit hutch, animals depend on us. This regular activity can motivate us to get up, move about and focus on something outside of our own thoughts. Even small acts, like filling a water bowl or letting a pet out into the garden, give the day shape.
They give us something to care for
Looking after a pet can help shift our focus away from our own distress. It reminds us we can be helpful and needed. For people living with BPD or other mental health challenges, this sense of being relied on can be incredibly grounding.
Caring for a pet can also be soothing. The routines of feeding, grooming and playing create simple moments of connection and calm. These little rituals can bring joy and relief, even on tough days.
Connection without pressure
Many people with mental health difficulties find social situations challenging. Talking to others can feel overwhelming, and fear of rejection is common. But animals don’t expect us to explain how we feel. They don’t interrupt, offer unwanted advice or get uncomfortable with emotion.
A safe space for feelings
Animals create a safe emotional space. You can cry with a dog curled up beside you or talk to your cat without fear of being misunderstood. Some people say they feel more comfortable opening up to an animal than to a human. This emotional support, even without words, can be deeply healing.
A way to meet others
Pets can also help us connect with other people in a gentle way. Walking a dog often leads to chats with other dog owners. Visiting a park with a rabbit or parrot might spark curious conversations. These casual encounters can reduce loneliness and help us feel part of the world again, without the pressure of deep social engagement.
How animals can help people with BPD
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Intense feelings, fear of abandonment and struggles with identity can make life especially tough. Animals can offer steady, calming support in ways that feel safe and grounding.
Unconditional acceptance
Many people with BPD fear rejection. Animals don’t judge or walk away. Their consistent affection can help build trust and remind us that we’re lovable just as we are.
Soothing emotional overwhelm
Simple acts like stroking a pet or watching a fish swim can calm the nervous system. These small moments of connection help slow racing thoughts and ease emotional highs or lows.
A stable, safe bond
Pets offer a dependable relationship without conflict or pressure. This kind of bond can be healing for those who’ve struggled with unstable or difficult relationships in the past.
A reason to keep going
Knowing a pet depends on you can give life structure and purpose. On tough days, this sense of being needed can make all the difference.
For those living with BPD, animals can become trusted companions—offering calm, connection and a sense of safety in a world that can often feel unpredictable.
Animals in therapy and mental health care
The benefits of animals are so clear that they’re now a regular part of many therapy programmes. From trained dogs visiting hospitals to equine therapy centres helping people manage trauma, animals are being used to support healing in a wide range of settings.
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves trained professionals using animals as part of a treatment plan. The animals involved—often dogs, horses or small pets—are specially chosen for their calm nature and ability to work well with people.
In these sessions, people might pet, play with or care for the animal. They may also take part in guided exercises with the animal present. These activities can reduce stress, improve mood and help people process difficult emotions in a supportive way.
AAT has been used to support people with anxiety, depression, PTSD and personality disorders, among others. It can be especially helpful for those who struggle with trust or verbal communication.
Equine therapy
Horses are particularly sensitive animals and are often used in therapy to help people explore emotions and relationships. In equine therapy, you don’t have to ride the horse. Much of the work happens on the ground—leading, grooming or simply observing.
Because horses respond to human body language and emotion, they offer immediate feedback. This can help people better understand their own feelings, behaviours and boundaries in a non-verbal, experiential way.
No pet? No problem
You don’t need to own a pet to enjoy the benefits animals bring. There are plenty of ways to connect with animals without the long-term commitment.
Volunteer or foster
Many animal shelters need volunteers to help walk dogs, play with cats or clean out enclosures. This is a great way to enjoy animal interaction, meet new people and do something meaningful.
Fostering a pet short-term can also be an option. Some rescue centres offer foster opportunities for a few weeks at a time. It’s a way to give a pet a safe space while enjoying companionship without the full-time responsibility.
Visit nature or animal spaces
Spending time in nature, watching birds or visiting a local city farm can also lift your mood. Just being around animals—whether they’re wild or tame—can create a sense of wonder and peace.
Pet cafés, zoos and animal therapy events also provide opportunities to enjoy animal company in a relaxed setting. Even watching animal videos online can offer a short burst of joy.
Things to keep in mind
While animals can offer many mental health benefits, they’re not a fix for everything. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pets need care: Owning a pet is a big responsibility. It’s important to think carefully about your time, energy and living situation before adopting an animal.
- It’s OK to ask for help: If you’re struggling to care for a pet, ask for support. Friends, family or pet services might be able to lend a hand.
- Not everyone feels the same: Some people may feel anxious or overwhelmed around animals. That’s completely valid. You can still benefit from watching animals from a distance or looking at calming animal photos.
Most of all, be kind to yourself. If animals make you feel calmer, more connected or simply more present, that’s enough.
Final thoughts: How animals improve our mental health
Animals have an amazing ability to support our mental health. They offer comfort, connection and routine in a world that can often feel chaotic or isolating. Whether through a loyal pet, a visiting therapy dog or a quiet moment watching birds in a tree, animals remind us to slow down and take each moment as it comes.
You don’t have to be an animal lover or even own a pet to benefit. Just opening yourself up to the calm presence of animals, even for a short while, can make a difference. In their quiet, accepting way, they help us heal—and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
