Welfare Science

Animal Welfare and Mental Health: Links and Evidence

Research increasingly shows that interactions with animals can benefit human mental health, while human mental health challenges can also affect animal welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Animal-assisted therapy shows evidence for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms
Pet ownership is associated with reduced loneliness and increased physical activity in many studies
Mental health challenges in pet owners can reduce quality of care animals receive
Working with animals in rescue and sanctuary roles can be rewarding but also psychologically demanding

Welfare Considerations

Human wellbeing and animal wellbeing are intertwined. Supporting caregivers - farmers, rescue workers, pet owners in crisis - improves animal welfare outcomes. Burnout in animal welfare workers is a significant but under-addressed issue.

What You Can Do

Support mental health resources specifically for animal welfare and veterinary professionals
Advocate for companion animal welfare support for humans experiencing mental health challenges
Engage with research on human-animal bond benefits for both parties