Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Canine Welfare and Mental Health

The human-dog bond supports human mental health, with welfare reciprocity meaning dog welfare and human mental health are interconnected.

Key Facts

Dog ownership reduces human cortisol and increases oxytocin in positive interactions
People with mental health conditions are significantly more likely to report therapeutic benefit from dog ownership
Welfare problems in dogs cause secondary mental health impacts in owner-dog relationships
Therapy dog programs in hospitals and care homes show significant mental health benefits
Supporting owner mental health supports dog welfare through improved care capacity

Welfare Considerations

Dog welfare and human mental health are interconnected. Supporting both together creates virtuous cycles of improved wellbeing for dogs and humans alike.

What You Can Do

Support programs that enable low-income people with mental health conditions to keep pets
Engage with the human-animal bond dimensions of welfare in your advocacy
Advocate for pet-friendly mental health support services