A new study from the University of Kent has found that having a pet can bring just as much happiness as being in a romantic relationship—and that joy might be worth nearly $100,000 a year.
For years, scientists have noticed that people with pets tend to report lower stress and greater happiness. But it was unclear if pets caused that happiness, or if happier people were simply more likely to have pets. This new research says it’s likely the pets themselves making life better.
“The question of whether pets make us happy can now be answered with a clear ‘yes,’” said Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner, an economics lecturer at the University of Kent and co-author of the study.
How the Study Worked
The research team analyzed data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which asked people about their pets, lifestyle, personality, and overall satisfaction with life. The study looked at responses from 769 people over several years.
To make sure their results were accurate, researchers took into account things like age, income, education, and family size. They also looked at personality traits, since people with pets often tend to be more outgoing and responsible.
To separate cause from effect, the researchers used a clever method called an “instrumental variable.” This included a question about whether people watched their neighbors’ homes when they were away—a behavior linked to pet ownership, but not to happiness itself. This helped them show that pets were likely the reason behind the increased life satisfaction.
Pets Provide Major Emotional Value
The researchers translated the value of pet ownership into financial terms. They found that having a cat or dog increased a person’s happiness by about the same amount as earning an extra £70,000 per year (roughly $92,655 USD).
That’s about the same boost in happiness that comes from getting married or spending time with close friends and family.
“This might sound surprising,” said Dr. Gschwandtner, “but it makes sense when you consider that many people see their pets as family members or friends.”
However, the study only looked at dogs and cats. It didn’t cover other animals like fish, rabbits, or hamsters. Also, the data didn’t track changes over time, so it’s unclear how the emotional benefits might shift as pet owners grow older or face different life stages.
Experts See Big Public Health Benefits
Dr. Ashwini Nadkarni, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who was not part of the research, said the findings could help shape future mental health programs.
“Loneliness is a major public health issue,” she said. “This study shows that pets could play a key role in improving emotional well-being.”
Claudia Giolitti-Wright, a licensed therapist who works with young women, added that pets may not benefit everyone in the same way. How close someone feels to their pet can affect how much comfort and support they receive. Still, she agrees the research is important.
“Putting a dollar value on happiness makes it easier for policymakers to understand just how important pets are,” she explained.
Policy and Legal Impacts
The findings could also influence decisions beyond mental health. Dr. Gschwandtner pointed out a current petition in the UK Parliament calling for pets to be treated as more than just property in legal cases. Today, pets are often valued only at their purchase price during divorce or property disputes.
“Our study shows pets bring real emotional value,” Gschwandtner said. “That should be reflected in how they’re treated legally.”
Landlords might also consider changing rules that prevent tenants from having pets. The study suggests allowing pets could significantly boost quality of life for renters.
“Anything that makes it easier to own pets should be encouraged,” she said.
Bottom Line: If you love your pet, science now backs you up—your furry friend may be just as important to your happiness as a spouse or best friend. And that joy? It’s priceless… or at least worth nearly $100,000 a year.
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