Study on the Impact of Pets on Their Owners' Mental Health
Does your pet help you feel less lonely? Develop qualities like patience and compassion? Maintain a daily routine?
Does your pet help you feel less lonely? Develop qualities like patience and compassion? Maintain a daily routine?
Pets hold a unique place in our lives, providing comfort, joy, and stability every day. Dogs and cats seem to play a crucial role in emotional soothing, stress reduction, and overall well-being. To better understand this impact, our survey explores the experiences of pet owners and highlights the benefits they perceive on a daily basis.
The survey was conducted among over 456 Weenect clients in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This survey gathered detailed information about their profiles, opinions, and experiences regarding the impact of their four-legged companions on their mood and daily mindset.
Discover the detailed results of our study, through a series of lessons learned illustrated by graphs.
According to our survey, 28.3% of respondents have adopted an animal to fulfill a childhood dream or to make a long-term project a reality. This motivation is even more prominent among dog owners (31%) compared to cat owners (25.2%). Similarly, 25.8% of respondents adopted a pet to stay fit, while the same percentage sought companionship to overcome loneliness.
Unplanned adoptions are more commonly associated with cats than dogs, with 15.9%, compared to only 6.2% of dog owners.
An overwhelming 98.9% of respondents state that their pet makes them happier every day, with similar experiences reported by dog and cat owners. This demonstrates the positive impact pets have on their owners' emotional well-being, confirming their essential role in their owners' lives.
A significant 81.8% of respondents claim that their pet helps them develop qualities such as patience and compassion, with similar results for dog and cat owners. This effect is particularly strong among individuals aged 25-34, where nearly 93% recognize this impact.
80.3% of respondents report that their pet reduces their stress levels, an effect more pronounced among cat owners (87.4%) than dog owners (74%). However, this proportion decreases with age, from 92.9% among 25-34-year-olds to 70.4% among those over 65. However, a minority (2%) confide that their pet can be a source of stress. A concern that Weenect tracking devices help to alleviate by enabling precise monitoring of the animal's movements and activity.
76.5% of respondents report that their pet has helped them overcome a difficult period, with this support being particularly acknowledged by cat owners (82.2% compared to 71.5% for dog owners). However, this emotional support decreases with age: 91.2% of those under 35 view their pet as a true source of support, compared to 67.8% among those over 65.
25.9% of respondents have adopted a pet as a way of avoiding loneliness, and 95.2% say their pet provides comfort in solitude. This effect is slightly more pronounced among cat owners (96.7%) compared to dog owners (93.8%). The impact also increases with age, from 94.1% among those under 35 to 96% for those over 65, highlighting the growing role of pets in providing emotional support over the years.
54.2% of respondents state that their pet fosters social interactions, particularly through walks or social media. This impact is stronger among dog owners (76.4%) than cat owners (29%), with similar results across all age groups.
39.7% of dog owners report adopting their dog to help them stay fit. This goal seems to be achieved, as 94.6% say their companion helps them engage in physical activity, primarily through walks or playtime.
80.7% of respondents state that their pet helps them maintain a daily routine, often linked to fixed habits like waking up and eating at set times, or daily outings, regardless of the weather or mood. This impact is more pronounced among dog owners (85.9%) than cat owners (74.8%). Young adults (under 35) are the most likely to stress this effect (91.2%).
This survey highlights the significant support provided by pets while also revealing notable differences in the roles dogs and cats play in their owners' lives. Dogs excel in boosting physical activity, maintaining routines, and fostering social interactions, while cats stand out for their emotional support, helping to reduce stress and overcome challenging times.
Weenect GPS trackers are perfectly adapted to these varied needs. For dog owners, they provide precise tracking during walks or outdoor activities, enhancing peace of mind. For cat owners, they offer increased safety, even in case of unexpected movements, and contribute to constant reassurance. By addressing the specific needs of each species, Weenect helps strengthen the unique bond between humans and their pets.
