Whether it’s their impromptu bursts of energy, their waggy tails or their reassuring purrs, we need no convincing that pets make our lives happier and infinitely better. As January goes on (and on), we thought we’d take a moment to focus on the good, and appreciate the positive influence of our fur friends.
One of us
Pets are well and truly part of the family. In fact, surveys such as one conducted by Dogs Trust in 2025 found that 94% of dog owners consider their pets to be family members. If your furry friend has a spot on the sofa and their own food bowl, they’re definitely part of the fold.
Dog people are good people
Dog walks are surely one of the biggest pulls when it comes to getting your very own woofer, encouraging daily exercise and giving us a great excuse to make friends at the park. And many dog owners will agree that having a dog helps them have more positive relationships with people. This can apply to areas of our life beyond chitchat with other dog owners, creating a bond between us and other people who care for the furry one, as well as helping us be more patient with our nearest and dearest.
Think happy thoughts
As well as supporting our physical health with daily walks (dogs) and daily hide and seek sessions (cats), it’s worth noting that pets are also great for our overall mood. A recent study from University of Kent found that having a cat or dog companion can increase human life satisfaction and overall wellbeing, in some cases offering benefits comparable to those we get from close human relationships. Furry cuddles and appreciation for the smallest of tasks? It’s no surprise pets make us feel so good about ourselves.
Cuddle support
If the Covid pandemic taught us anything, it’s that pets have true superpowers when it comes to helping us feel better. In moments of uncertainty, isolation or loneliness, they offer steady emotional support with their playful demeanor and easily satisfied disposition. Many cat owners will also agree that their feline friends seem to intuitively sense our moods and appear just when we need them most. See – superpowers!
‘Why yes, I do have a pet’
Our pets help us take on the world, not only keeping us calm and playful, but also helping us feel more at ease in social situations. Having a dog by your side can boost your confidence when meeting new people. Not only can you talk about their quirky personality traits but if all else fails, breed chat is always a big hit. For cat owners, we don’t think socialising is helped a great deal, but we are sure they make people more content, just as the 2024 PDSA ‘PAW Report‘ suggests, with 91% of cat owners saying owning a cat improves their life.
So, despite the weather being on the gloomy side, and January seemingly going on forever, take a moment to remind yourself just how lucky you are to have your four-legged friend. Of course, pets aren’t a universal or guaranteed solution to our problems, but for many people they offer a meaningful source of physical, social, and emotional support.
