Today is International Friendship Day—a time to recognize the relationships that support us, including the bonds we share with pets.
These connections aren’t just meaningful—they matter for our health and well-being. The CDC (2025) notes that the bond between pets and people can improve mental wellness, reduce stress, and foster a stronger sense of connection. Research from the NIH (2018) highlights benefits like reduced blood pressure, less loneliness, better mood, and even support for children’s emotional and social skills.
This Friendship Day, let’s celebrate the pets who’ve been more than companions—true friends through everyday life—and the people and places that help those connections thrive.
If there's a pet who's been a friend to you, we’d love to hear about it. 🐾
------------------------------
Katy Carpenter
Administrative Assistant
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------