Mental Health Month: How Pets Improve Our Wellbeing

By All Furry Tales — Stories that heal, with paws and purpose

🌍 May is Mental Health Month in Many Countries — and Pets Are Part of the Healing

In the United States, Canada, and the UK, May is recognised as Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to speak up, break the stigma, and highlight how we can take better care of our mental wellbeing.

In Australia, Mental Health Month is observed in October, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reflect now. Mental health matters every day, and so do the pets that support us through it.

Whether you're a pet parent, thinking of adopting, or simply love animals, this blog is for you.

🧘 How Pets Improve Our Mental Health

1. 🧡 Pets Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Studies show that spending time with animals lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin — known as the "love hormone."

Petting your dog or cat for just 10 minutes can significantly lower your blood pressure.

2. 🕒 They Help Us Create Healthy Routines

Pets need to be fed, walked, and played with. These routines help us stay grounded, especially when we're overwhelmed or feeling unmotivated.

3. 🚶 They Encourage Us to Move

Daily dog walks or play sessions with cats get us moving — and physical activity is one of the best natural ways to improve mood.

4. 💬 They Combat Loneliness

Pets provide unconditional love and companionship. They make us feel needed, seen, and loved — especially during tough times.

5. 🧘‍♀️ They Encourage Mindfulness

Watching your cat nap or your rabbit munch quietly is a reminder to slow down. Pets live in the moment — and help us do the same.

🌟 Celebrities Who Say Pets Changed Their Mental Health

We’re not the only ones who turn to pets for comfort — even celebrities find healing in furry companionship.

🐶 Selena Gomez & Her Emotional Support Dog

Global pop icon Selena Gomez has openly spoken about her struggles with anxiety and depression. Through her mental health journey, she found strength and comfort in her emotional support dog, Daisy.

"She helps me stay calm. I don't know what I’d do without her," Selena shared in an Instagram Live.

🐱 Pete Davidson & His Feline Companion

Comedian and actor Pete Davidson, known for his mental health advocacy, has credited animal companionship as a grounding force during his struggles with borderline personality disorder and PTSD.

"It’s not just about laughs. That little furball keeps me grounded," he said in a podcast interview.

🐾 Chris Evans & Dodger

Actor Chris Evans shares an inseparable bond with his rescue dog, Dodger. Evans says Dodger played a big role in keeping him emotionally steady.

"Dodger’s presence was the one thing that made everything feel okay."

❤️ Real Pet Stories That Heal

🐕 “After my breakup, I felt lost. Adopting Luna, a greyhound, helped me feel whole again. She saved me.” — Marcus, Sydney
🐱 “When my grandmother passed, our rescue cat Oscar became my source of comfort. He always knew when I needed a cuddle.” — Priya, London

🐾 Not a Pet Owner Yet?

You don’t need to own a pet to enjoy the mental health benefits of animals:

• Volunteer at a shelter or foster short-term

• Visit a friend with a pet

• Watch animal videos for stress relief

• Follow therapy pets on social media

🌎 Where Mental Health Month is Observed in May

• 🇺🇸 USA: Mental Health Month (May)

• 🇨🇦 Canada: Mental Health Week (1st week of May)

• 🇬🇧 UK: Mental Health Awareness Week (May)

• 🇦🇺 Australia: Mental Health Month (October)

Wherever you are, mental health is important — and pets can be part of the healing.

🐶 Thinking of Adopting a Pet?

These organisations help you find the perfect companion:

• Australia: PetRescue, RSPCA

• USA: Petfinder, ASPCA

• UK: Blue Cross, RSPCA UK

• Canada: SPCA, Humane Canada

💬 If You Need Support

Here are some resources around the world:

• Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

• USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• UK: Samaritans – 116 123

• Canada: Talk Suicide – 1 833 456 4566

📣 Share the Love, Share the Message

This post could change someone’s day — or even save a life.
Share it if you care about mental health. Share it if you love pets. Share it if you believe in healing through connection.

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