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  • 1.  Recent Studies Uncover More Ways Pets Aid in Combating Depression

    Posted 07-19-2025 06:00 AM

    "This latest science might come as no surprise to pet owners: Two new studies add to a growing body of research suggesting that four-legged friends can help support your mental health.

    In one study involving 145 college freshmen separated from their childhood pets, researchers found that access to a drop-in visitation program with therapy dogs or cats helped these students avoid the depression symptoms that are common among first-year collegiates.

    Meanwhile, another recent study of 214 middle-aged women found that those who reported having a closer connection with a pet experienced lower generalized anxiety and reduced depression.

    These findings point to some potent (and highly pleasurable) ways that pets can help stave off or treat depression and anxiety."

    Full Article: "New Research Finds More Ways Pets Help With Depression" by Health Central



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    Kayla Anderson
    Veterinary Social Worker
    Program for Pet Health Equity
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  • 2.  RE: Recent Studies Uncover More Ways Pets Aid in Combating Depression

    Posted 07-21-2025 10:31 AM

    Are there any current studies showing the benefits of having pets while in addiction rehab, medical or physical recovery and/or end of life transition?



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    Wendy Luck
    Executive Director
    Los Sueños Community Giving
    NM
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  • 3.  RE: Recent Studies Uncover More Ways Pets Aid in Combating Depression

    Posted 07-21-2025 11:28 PM

    I found a number of studies that reference companion animals as a benefit in addiction. The link below should bring up a list.  

    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C48&q=companion+animal+for+addiction&btnG=

    You can use google scholar to search for more studies. Seeing the entire study may be difficult. You can usually ask the researcher for a copy or use a library to help you gain access. For this one I utilized the phrase "companion animals." I started by using "pet" but it was full of results for PET scans. I also tried "human animal bond" but it was more focused on animal health and not human health. You may have to try a number of terms to find a good fit but I think you should be able to find research on all of these.



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    Kelly Ford
    President
    Partners for Pets
    WA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Recent Studies Uncover More Ways Pets Aid in Combating Depression

    Posted 07-22-2025 11:53 AM

    While we're on this subject, are there any studies on the impact of separating pets from their owners, along the lines of separating children from their parents? I know there are shelter studies about pets living in shelters, but i'm not sure I've seen any how about the liminal zone between surviving and thriving in a family environment, including living on the street with its human.



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    Augusta Farley
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Recent Studies Uncover More Ways Pets Aid in Combating Depression

    Posted 07-23-2025 11:53 AM

    Thank you for sharing this research on the topic, Kelly! Concerning the impact of separating pets from their parents, the most pet-focused study I found was this scope review conducted last year.

    "Forty-two articles on the human–animal bond and situations of separation were included in the analysis, which revealed devastating results for companion animals, with death and loss of the animals prominent across all three categories of forced separation."

    Other studies I found on the topic tend to explore the outcomes of the human in the relationship rather than the pet. I think you bring up an interesting perspective for future studies, Augusta, in how this kind of trauma could have similar effects on pets to children being separated from their parents.



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    Kayla Anderson
    Veterinary Social Worker
    Program for Pet Health Equity
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    Original Message


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