Awareness and advocacy

The incredible healing power of pets: World Mental Health Day 2026

October 10, 2024
Animal Friendly Life

As Saturday October 10 is World Mental Health Day 2026 we are taking a look at the incredible healing power, and emotional support, of animals.

The awareness day promotes emotional wellbeing, and for many people, it’s their pets who provide the support and companionship when they need it most.

In this article, we take a look at how animals can improve our mental health, and the many healing roles they can play.

The mental health benefits of pets

We all know how great pets can be for our emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a wagging tail after a long day or a cat curling up on your lap, pets have a way of lifting our spirits. And that’s because

Spending time with animals triggers feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—those little helpers that make us feel calmer and happier.

In fact, research from Beyond Blue shows that interacting with pets can help reduce stress and improve overall mood.

Pets can make a real difference to those going through emotional turmoil or mental illness. Many people report how their pet, or animals in general gives them comfort when human interactions might feel too much.

5 ways pets boost our mental health

Mood enhancement: Interacting with pets boosts the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin.
Stress reduction: Pets help lower stress by providing companionship and a calming presence.
Companionship: Pets can be the best cure for loneliness, which can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Structure and routine: Caring for a pet creates a daily routine, which can support mental stability.
Physical health: Activities like walking dogs encourage exercise, which positively impacts mental well-being.

Pets bring a lot more to the table than just companionship. For example, they can give us a sense of routine and purpose. Whether it’s taking your dog for a morning walk or feeding your cat, these daily rituals can help keep anxiety and low mood at bay.

And the benefits don’t stop there—having a pet can also help us stay active, which is a big plus for our mental health.

Pets are great at keeping us present, too. Walking the dog, playing fetch, or simply watching fish swim in a tank can bring us back into the moment, which can be a much-needed break from the usual stresses of life.

Studies, including those from the Australian Psychological Society, show that pets can ease symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

Emotional Assistance Dogs

Emotional assistance dogs are becoming more well-known in Australia and around the world for the comfort they provide to people dealing with mental health conditions.

Therapy dogs are assisting children in classrooms across Australia, and helping keep vulnerable children at school. dogs aren’t trained to perform physical tasks like guide dogs, but they’re experts in offering emotional stability and a sense of safety to their owners.

Read our previous article about the many support roles of assistance dogs.

In Australia, emotional assistance dogs don’t have the same legal recognition as service dogs just yet. This means they may not have access to all public places, like restaurants or airlines, depending on the rules in place.

However, there’s a growing movement to recognise the important role they play and to keep up with other countries that recognise emotional assistance dogs a lot more.

In countries like the United States, for example. emotional support animals (ESAs) have gained more recognition, though changes in regulations by the U.S. Department of Transportation have limited their access to public spaces like planes.

Even so, they’re still valued for the emotional support they offer.

Pet loss grief: the emotional with the impact and grief of losing a pet

Anyone who has lost a pet knows just how tough it can be. Our pets become a huge part of our lives, and saying goodbye is never easy. The grief we feel when they pass away can be as intense as losing a human loved one, but it’s not always acknowledged the way it should be.

The pain of losing a pet can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and even trauma. It’s important to recognise this kind of grief and seek out the support you need. Organisations like the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement provide resources to help people cope with the loss of a pet.

Whether it’s talking to a counsellor or joining a support group, taking steps to process that grief is crucial.

Grief Australia is a great resource for those grieving a pet.

World Mental Health Day is about understanding the full range of emotions we experience—and that includes the deep sadness we feel when a pet leaves us. And a reminder that it’s okay to grieve and that you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Recognising pets as partners in our mental health journey

As we mark World Mental Health Day 2026, it’s worth thinking about the special role pets play in our lives. They offer a kind of support that’s hard to find elsewhere—always there with a cuddle or a nudge when we need it most.

The science is clear: pets can lift our spirits, offer comfort in tough times, and even help us through moments of sadness.

But it’s not all on them—we also have a responsibility to make sure they live happy, healthy lives. By taking care of our pets and enjoying the bond we share, we’re not just boosting our own wellbeing; we’re creating a positive environment for them too, and their emotional wellbeing.

So, as we think about what World Mental Health Day means, let’s give an extra pat or scratch behind the ears to our beloved companions. They’re a big part of what makes life better, providing love, joy, and the strength to face whatever comes next.

☆☆ Phone a helpline like Lifeline, Beyond Blue or Friendline if you feel isolated or need support. ☆☆