When the going gets tough, people don’t always turn to their partners or best friends—they turn to their pets. A new global survey reveals that when stress hits, most pet owners would rather hug their dog or cat than anyone else.
According to a YouGov survey commissioned by Mars Petcare and Calm, 58% of pet owners said they choose to spend time with their pet during stressful moments. That’s nearly double the number who prefer to be with their partner, which came in at 32%, family came in at 23%, or friends or children which came in at 18%. Pets far surpassed human interaction in times of anxiety or stress.
The survey included 30,000 pet owners across 20 countries, offering a clear snapshot of just how deeply pets are woven into our emotional lives.
Quiet Companions, Big Comfort
Beyond cuddles, pets provide a unique type of comfort—silent, loyal, and nonjudgmental. More than half of respondents (56%) said that during difficult times, their pet’s companionship is especially comforting because it doesn’t require words. And 84% of pet owners said simply being in the presence of their cat or dog made them feel more relaxed.
“While we love our pets, we often don’t realize how much they give back,” said Dr. Tammie King, senior research manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. “Reframing your pet’s daily ‘interruptions’ as loving reminders to pause, breathe, and be present can be a powerful wellness tool.”
Touch, in particular, plays a key role. Previous research has shown that physical interactions with pets—like stroking a cat or hugging a dog—can boost oxytocin levels, the hormone associated with bonding and reduced stress.
The Daily Dose of Calm We Didn’t Know We Needed
More than just comfort during emotional highs and lows, pets also nudge their humans toward healthier habits—often without us even realizing it. Namely, about 79% of pet owners said their pet reminds them to pause and take breaks from work, chores, or daily stressors. When a cat or dog comes to nuzzle you, it can be a reminder to stop and take a breathe, with half of respondents saying this happens on a daily basis.
There is also the mental health aspect with 73% saying their pets help them stop overthinking or worrying and a further 77% noted that their pets encourage them to unplug and step away from screens. Many also credited their pets with getting them outside more regularly—whether for walks, backyard play, or simply fresh air. “We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there. A quick dog walk or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge,” said Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer at Calm
More Than Just Cute—They’re Therapy on Four Legs
This new data not only highlights how emotionally tuned-in our pets are, but also how essential they’ve become to our wellbeing. Many pet owners view their pets as family, and deep relationships can occur with our furry companions, being close to them in a time of need or great stress can alleviate a person’s load. In a world where stress is constant and mental health is top of mind, the quiet, consistent presence of a furry friend might be one of the most underrated wellness tools we have.
Because sometimes, the best therapist isn’t a person at all—it’s a dog with a wagging tail or a cat curling up beside you when you need it most.
