WASHINGTON, DC, March 1, 2024 (Globe Newswire) — In Washington, they say if you want a friend, get a dog. The results of the American Psychiatric Association's Monthly Health Minds Poll, released in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association, seem to agree with that adage. Among the many mental health benefits of pets, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say their pets provide companionship (65%), are true friends (65%) and , provide unconditional love and support (64%).
84% of pet owners say their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health, similar to last year's poll on the subject. The poll was conducted by Morning Consult between February 6 and 9, 2024 among 2,200 adults.
“When we talk about mental health, the role of pets is often overlooked,” says APA President Petros Levonis, MD, MA. love and friendship. I regularly encourage patients struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and technology to adopt a pet. There is also growing research into the role animals can play in recovery from depression and other mental illnesses. ”
“As veterinarians, we see firsthand the strong bond between humans and animals and the positive impact pets can have on their mental health,” said Lena Carlson, DVM, president of the AVMA. says. , pets can be a valuable source of comfort and support. These findings further emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership and the important role pets play in our lives. ”
Those surveyed indicated that their pets also:
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Provide a calming presence (62%)
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Helps reduce stress and anxiety (62%)
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Encourage physical activity (35%)
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Add structure to your schedule (29%)
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Increase social connections with others (19%)
Although the mental health benefits are far-reaching, Americans expressed some concerns about our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Among their top concerns, 76% reported worrying about their pet aging or dying, 67% worried about their pet's health, and 67% worried about caring for their pet while traveling.
Of all survey respondents, 72% reported having a pet at home. 52% had dogs, 37% cats, 7% fish, 4% birds, and less than 3% had turtles, chickens, horses, snakes, lizards, and rabbits. , guinea pig, or hamster. One in five (18%) pet owners say at least one of their pets qualifies as an emotional support animal.
Of all respondents, 44% identified themselves as dog people, 15% as cat people, 30% as both, and 10% as neither. Dog (85%) and cat (86%) owners and emotional support animal owners (88%) all say their pets have had a mostly positive impact on their mental health. were more likely to respond than those who did not. Other companion animals (55%)
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American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association was founded in 1844 and is the oldest medical association in the country. APA is also the world's largest psychiatric association, with more than 38,900 physician members who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental disorders. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.
About AVMA
AVMA serves more than 105,000 member veterinarians and is the national veterinary industry's representative organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every state and territory in the United States and in more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.
CONTACT: Erin Connors American Psychiatric Association 202-609-7113 econnors@psych.org Michael San Filippo American Veterinary Medical Association 847-285-6687 msanfilippo@avma.org
