Mental Health America (MHA) is proud to partner with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) to bring you resources, information, and tools that highlight the powerful role that animals can have in healing and nurturing your mental health. Whether you’re already a pet owner, curious about owning a pet, or interested in pet-related therapy, this resource center is for you!
Having an animal companion — be it furry, feathered, scaly, or otherwise — has many benefits for your mental and physical health. Pet ownership provides comfort, makes you feel happy, and helps you be calmer and relaxed. Having a pet can also help relieve stress and symptoms of some mental and physical health conditions. Though pet ownership is already popular, you may not even begin to realize the benefits that your animal friends provide.
Are you wondering about your mental health? Our free, confidential mental health screenings can help you check in and find support. Healing can come from many sources, including the comfort we find in pets.
Nearly 70% of households in the United States have a pet. Of those who have a pet:
believe their pets bring them happiness and emotional support
believe their pets reduce anxiety and depression
believe their pets relieve stress
Thinking about getting a pet? Animals can offer comfort, companionship, and purpose, but pet ownership is also a big commitment. These resources will help you explore what kind of pet best matches your lifestyle and needs and how to best prepare for your new pet.
Depending on your needs and mental health, the types of animals and interactions that might work best for you can look different. From emotional support animals offering everyday companionship, to licensed service animals trained to assist with specific needs, to therapy animals incorporated into clinical care, there are many ways animals can improve your mental health. These resources will help you explore the types of support animals and animal-assisted interventions that might be right for you!
What’s the difference? Service, support, therapy animals, and pets
How do I get an emotional support animal?
How do I get a service animal?
For providers: Integrating animals in mental health care
Do you already have a pet and want to strengthen the connection? Animals can improve your mental wellbeing, and caring for them can be a meaningful part of caring for yourself.
HABRI works to advance, through science, education and advocacy, the vital role of the human-animal bond in the health and well-being of people, pets, cultures and communities.
This resource center was developed in collaboration with HABRI and made possible through the generous support of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and World Pet Association (WPA).
Helpful resources