People usually look up the benefits of pet ownership when they’re weighing up a new animal in the house, or trying to justify the daily cost, mess, noise, and vet bills that come with one. Sometimes it’s after a tough patch—loneliness, stress, a child needing steadiness, an older parent living alone—when the idea of a pet starts to feel less like a hobby and more like support.
The evidence is a little like animal tracks in sand: clear patterns, but not always a straight line from “get a pet” to “better health”. The strongest benefits show up when the match is right, the care is steady, and the animal’s needs are met alongside your own.3, 4
Pet ownership in Australia: how common is it?
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Recent national figures commonly place pet ownership at roughly seven in ten households, with dogs and cats leading the pack.1, 2
Physical health benefits (where the evidence is strongest)
More movement, especially with dogs
Dogs change the daily map of your life. A walk becomes non-negotiable. A backyard becomes used. Over time, dog owners are more likely to be physically active than people without dogs, simply because the animal needs it.2, 4
Heart and blood pressure: possible benefits, not a prescription
Large reviews and scientific statements have found pet ownership—particularly dog ownership—is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and lower blood pressure in some studies, likely through increased activity and stress buffering. The key caveat is that this is not a medical treatment, and adopting a pet solely to “fix” heart health is not recommended.3, 4
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Stress reduction through contact and routine
Quiet, repetitive contact—stroking fur, watching a fish tank, hearing a familiar set of paws in the hallway—can help the nervous system settle. Many reputable health sources note that pets may reduce stress and anxiety, in part by nudging people towards steadier routines and more time outdoors.4, 5
Loneliness: companionship that fills the room
Pets can soften the edges of isolation, especially for people who live alone. They create a daily pattern of care—feed, clean, walk, check—and that pattern can be grounding when days feel shapeless.4, 5
A note on limits
Pets can help, but they also add responsibility. If you’re already stretched thin, the constant needs of an animal can become another load. For people living with significant mental ill-health, it’s worth thinking through support, contingency plans, and costs before bringing an animal home.7
Social benefits: small, reliable bridges to other people
Dogs, in particular, pull their owners into the public world—footpaths, dog parks, local beaches, the corner shop. Health authorities note that pets can increase opportunities to socialise, which matters because social connection is strongly linked to wellbeing.5
Developmental benefits for children (with supervision and realistic expectations)
Responsibility that’s tangible
For many children, caring tasks—filling a water bowl, measuring food, brushing a coat—are one of the first regular responsibilities that have visible consequences. Done gently and consistently, this can support empathy and self-management.
Safety and hygiene still matter
Children should always be supervised around dogs, even familiar family pets. Hand hygiene after handling animals, food, or faeces helps protect kids from infections pets can sometimes carry.5, 6
Benefits for older adults
For some older people, a pet provides structure—morning feeding, small household chores, a reason to step outside. Reputable health sources also highlight reduced loneliness and increased activity as common pathways for benefit, while noting that people with weaker immune systems need extra care around animal-related germs and hygiene.4, 5
The trade-offs: costs, care, and responsibility
Expect ongoing costs (and the occasional expensive surprise)
Food, parasite prevention, vaccinations, council registration, grooming, boarding, and vet visits add up quickly. RSPCA NSW provides realistic example ranges for first-year and ongoing costs, which can help you budget before you commit.7
Health and safety: pets can carry germs
Pets can carry germs that make people sick. Good habits—handwashing, safe handling of waste, routine veterinary care, and extra caution for older adults and people with weakened immune systems—reduce the risk.5, 6
Practical checks for responsible pet ownership
- Choose the right species and temperament for your household, time, and housing (especially renters and strata properties).8
- Plan for routine care: vaccinations, parasite prevention, training, enrichment, and regular vet checks.6, 7
- Microchip and keep details updated, so lost pets can be returned quickly.9
- Think in years, not months: pets are a long commitment, including during moves, job changes, and family shifts.8
Final thoughts
Pets don’t improve life by magic. They do it by presence and repetition: a warm weight beside you, a daily walk, a task that can’t be postponed, a small creature with needs that pull you into a steadier rhythm. When the match is right, those ordinary moments can add up to better health, stronger routines, and a quieter kind of companionship that fits into the corners of everyday life.3, 5
References
- Animal Medicines Australia — Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (2025)
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase — How many pets are there in Australia?
- American Heart Association — Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk (Scientific Statement), Circulation (2013)
- American Heart Association — Can Your Pet Help You Be Healthier?
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Healthy Pets, Healthy People: Ways to Stay Healthy Around Animals
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Dogs (Healthy Pets, Healthy People)
- RSPCA NSW — Costs of owning a pet
- RSPCA Australia — Responsible pet ownership
- RSPCA Australia — Microchipping
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom