This Covid-19, as horrible as it has been, has resulted in an unexpected benefit. Many shelters in our area have experienced increased adoptions because people are feeling isolated and have more time at home. According to a 2016 pet owner online survey of over 2,000 pet owners, 74% of pet owners reported that owning pets has improved their mental health. Here are some reasons why.*

1. Pets Reduce Our Stress : The simple act of petting a furry animal can lower blood pressure and heart rates. And the tail-wagging and purring we get in return can warm our hearts and heighten the calming effect. When we pet and cuddle with our fur babies, our brains release “feel good” hormones, and we experience a decrease in stress hormones.

2. Pets Help Us Fight Off Depression : Pets have an uncanny way of sensing when we’re down, and they’re often right there to comfort us. As expressed in the previous article, Pets help us  fight depression,  in part because they need us to take care of them. The dog needs to be fed and walked. When we get our minds off ourselves and focused on helping others, we benefit as well.

3. Pets Help with Social Isolation and Loneliness : This is particularly true for anyone who lives alone or is otherwise socially isolated as many are right now. Pets help to   relieve loneliness and increase socialization . This is especially true for older adults or others who live alone, giving them comfort and companionship. Ladies in prison may not be physically alone, but often feel emotionally alone.

4. Pets Encourage Exercise and Activity : Exercise is essential to a dog’s health and well-being, and too little of it can cause weight issues and/or behavior problems. Exercise is also an important component of human mental and physical health as well - the more we do it, the better we feel. Our dogs motivate us to go outside and take a walk.

5. Pets Make Us Healthier and More Resilient : 97% of physicians who responded to a recent survey feel there are health benefits to owning a pet. What’s more, 75% reported that they saw improvement in the physical health of one or more patients, and 87% said they saw improvement in patients’ mood or outlook.*

Our Paws in Prison dogs have worked with emotionally wounded incarcerated women and given them unconditional love at the same time the women are healing the emotional wounds of the neglected or abandoned dogs. The training helps increase the women's confidence and self-esteem and the dogs are trained to make better pets. As adopters, pet ownership can make us happier, healthier, less lonely, and more likely to exercise – all of which contribute to our mental health. If you haven't seen them before, read the inspiring Testimonials on our website .

https://www.foundanimals.org/just-best-friends-dogs-mental-health/