What makes a house a home: How pets can boost your mood and wellbeing
There’s a specific kind of joy that comes with pet ownership. Whether they’ve got fur, fins or feathers, our animals bring something special to our lives. Calming cuddles. Unwavering loyalty. Or, if you have a cat, a headbutt when you least expect it. In fact, a survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute found that 87% of pet owners report a boost in their mental health. But what is it, exactly, that makes pets such powerful players in our wellbeing? Let’s dig in.
Routine and responsibility: A rhythm that keeps us steady
A daily dog walk. A weekly cage clean. Feeding time for the fish.
Pet ownership is no walk in the park (pun intended); it requires constant commitment and responsibility. But that can be incredibly grounding.
Structure and routine are proven to help reduce stress and improve sleep, creating an increased sense of stability, calm and control.
This is particularly helpful when working from home, entering a new life phase or generally experiencing upheaval. A familiar routine helps keep you steady when the rest of your world feels off-kilter.
Companionship and connection: The cure for modern loneliness
It’s a well-known fact that loneliness is on the rise (thanks, social media).
Pets can be a powerful antidote to feelings of isolation, offering constant company and non-judgmental love.
And there’s science behind the good vibes and puppy eyes. Apparently, the simple act of stroking your pet triggers the release of oxytocin – the feel-good hormone that boosts connection. For people who live alone, that presence can be especially impactful.
When your arrival at the door is greeted with a joyful tail wag or contented purr, home can feel exactly where you’re meant to be.
Exercise and exploration: From couch to community
It’s not just your mental health that benefits from pet ownership – your physical health may just get a boost too.
Those city strolls, garden potters and games of fetch get you up and out into the world.
Regular movement is essential for both mind and body, releasing mood-boosting endorphins and helping shake off sluggish energy.
And those chats with fellow pet owners from around the neighbourhood? They naturally build connection and help you feel part of your community.
In Melbourne’s pet-friendly suburbs – from Caulfield’s leafy parks to Elwood’s off-leash beaches – your pet’s daily exercise might just be the reason you get to know your neighbours or discover your new favourite coffee spot.
A happier home: Bringing energy to our spaces
At Gary Peer, we talk a lot about what makes a house a home. But what really matters is who’s in it.
Pets create a sense of warmth and safety that can’t be measured in square metres.
Whether it’s a kitten curling up by the window, a rabbit exploring the living room rug or the familiar patter of paws on floorboards, pets inject life and love into our spaces.
Some also offer protection – even if just from the morning post.
Reasons to rise: A renewed purpose
Like family, faith or Taylor Swift, pets offer something we all crave: a sense of purpose.
Whether it’s feeding or grooming, taking them to the vet or indulging a never-ending need for cuddles, looking after a pet requires consistent follow-through – even on the days you don’t feel like showing up.
Small, everyday acts they may be, but simply knowing you’re needed can work wonders for your self-esteem.
Our pets depend on us. And in turn, they give us something to show up for.
Little companions: Helping kids feel safe and seen
Pets can be a valuable source of emotional support for children – especially those with neurodiverse needs.
Stroking a cat, feeding a guinea pig or watching fish swim can help kids regulate their emotions, build empathy and feel safe in their environment.
And in times of stress or overwhelm, pets offer kids a kind of comfort that words can’t: a calming presence that helps them feel understood without needing to explain a thing.
A new era for renters: The shift toward pet-friendly homes
For years, many renters were forced to choose between a pet and a place to call home.
But thanks to recent rental reform, landlords in Victoria are opening the door to more of our four-legged (or feathered) friends.
Of course, you’ll still need to seek approval and follow the proper process. But it’s a welcome shift that acknowledges just how much pets bring to our lives.
They’re not just animals. They’re part of the family.
