The recent World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10) was a crucial reminder about the role veterinarians play in supporting animal health and the mental well-being of pet owners.
Over the years, pets have evolved from mere companions to integral members of our families and communities. This shift demonstrates how society views and values animal companionship, as pets often receive the same care, attention, and love as human family members. The growing integration of pets into family life has been shown to enhance our mental health.
“The profound connection between humans and animals transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, offering immense benefits to our mental health and well-being,” says Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). “This bond not only enriches our lives with companionship and unconditional love but also fosters resilience, reduces stress, and enhances our overall emotional health.”
An international HABRI survey shows 71 percent of veterinarians believe discussing the human-animal bond with their clients is valuable. Below are several ways pets contribute to our well-being and how veterinarians can play a pivotal role in encouraging this dynamic.
A prescription for well-being
Healthcare professionals increasingly recognize pets’ therapeutic benefits in mental health treatment plans. More than 20 percent of U.S. pet owners have received recommendations from doctors or therapists to include pets in their lives. Additionally, mental health providers are discovering that pets can be especially effective in helping children express their feelings.
With 48 percent of pet owners stating their pet calms them when feeling stressed, veterinarians can advocate for the inclusion of pets in mental health strategies, highlighting their ability to alleviate stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and encourage physical activity, making them invaluable allies in our journey toward better mental health. To do this, veterinarians can collaborate with mental health professionals on research and educational initiatives highlighting animal companionship’s benefits. They can also engage in community outreach and join advocacy groups to raise awareness and promote policy changes that recognize the therapeutic role of pets.
Facilitating social connections
Pets, especially dogs, act as natural facilitators for social interactions. They help bring people together from different walks of life, making it easier to connect with neighbors and forge new friendships whether visiting the dog park, attending a community event, or other interactions.
Research by HABRI indicates 75 percent of pet owners agree pets help bridge social gaps, enhance community ties, foster a sense of belonging, and provide the opportunity for them to get to know others in the community.
Veterinarians can play a pivotal role in encouraging clients to facilitate social connections by suggesting they participate in the above-mentioned activities or join community training classes.
Building positive habits
Creating a healthy routine can be highly beneficial for mental health, and pets can play a significant role in establishing these routines. Pet owners with a strong bond with their pets are more likely to follow through with recommended wellness and preventive care.
Additionally, the regular care that pets require—feeding, walking, and playtime—can provide structure and increase their sense of purpose. Veterinarians can guide pet owners on creating and maintaining routines, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive.
Veterinarians can play a key role by offering practice advice and resources, such as incorporating puzzle toys or interactive games into daily routines to keep pets mentally engaged (this can also reduce behavioral problems).
Companionship in times of loneliness
Virtually all pet owners worldwide (98 percent) reported at least one mental health benefit from owning a pet, including increased happiness, reduced loneliness, and decreased stress. In fact, 80 percent of pet owners reported seeking comfort from their pets when feeling lonely, and 43 percent say their pet gives them a sense of purpose, which can be attributed to pets’ nonjudgmental presence. This companionship helps fill the void of social connection that many experience.
Veterinarians understand the care their patients need for improved health and well-being, but it is important to remember your relationship with pet owners is crucial for ensuring pets receive that care. Always consider the human-animal bond when discussing difficult topics with clients and during patient interactions; this approach can foster trust and understanding, ultimately leading to better client compliance and patient outcomes.
Take care of yourself, too
Although these are great tips for working with patients, its important to take time for yourself as well. Veterinarians face unique challenges, including high-stress levels, compassion fatigue, and work-life balance issues, which can impact their mental health.
Suicide rates among veterinary professionals are high, with studies showing veterinarians are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than other professionals. The recent World Mental Health Day was an important reminder veterinarians have proper resources at their fingertips to help with the emotional and physical demands of their career, such as mental health apps, support groups like Not One More Vet, and tools on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s wellbeing page.
It is crucial we prioritize our mental health, not only for our own well-being but also to ensure we can provide the best care for our patients. Seeking mental health support empowers us to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of veterinary medicine. By taking care of ourselves, we can continue to elevate animal health and serve our communities with compassion and excellence.
Jason Johnson, DVM, MS, DACT, is vice president and global chief medical officer at IDEXX with more than 19 years of experience within the veterinary industry. Dr. Johnson was the co-founder/vice president and dean of LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine and founder of the Center for Animal and Human Health in Appalachia. Johnson has conducted international veterinary work across seven countries and believes it is both a privilege and a responsibility to elevate animal health around the globe.