Almost all US pet owners surveyed by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) say they have personally experienced at least one health benefit from having a pet.
HABRI’s 2026 Benchmark Survey, released on 19 October 2026, found 98% of pet owners reported a benefit. The institute says the human-animal bond has reached an all-time high.
The survey also found widespread awareness of potential benefits, alongside support for pet-friendly public spaces, businesses and rental housing.
Loneliness and Stress Among Most Recognised Benefits
According to HABRI, 97% of Americans, including people without pets, are aware of at least one research-backed health benefit of pet ownership.
Respondents recognised an average of 18 benefits, compared with 12 in 2021.
The most recognised benefits were:
- Easing loneliness: 92%.
- Reducing depression: 89%.
- Reducing stress: 88%.
- Helping people cope with difficult life situations: 87%.
These figures describe respondents’ awareness of benefits, rather than the percentage who personally experienced each outcome.
“Nine in 10 Americans either have a pet or want one, driven by the understanding that the bonds we share with our pets are good for our health,” says Steven Feldman, President of HABRI.
Companionship Leads Reasons for Wanting a Pet
The survey found 74% of Americans own at least one pet, while 15% intend to get one.
It also reported 64% live in multi-pet households, with an average of three pets per household across pet types.
Among prospective pet owners, the leading motivations were:
| Motivation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Companionship | 87% |
| Emotional support | 74% |
| Less loneliness | 71% |
| Better mental health | 68% |
| Better physical health | 55% |
Meanwhile, 77% of parents said their children had asked for a pet.
Research Awareness Linked to Intentions to Improve Pet Care
Pet owners said learning about research into the human-animal bond made them more likely to spend time with their pets and support their care.
The reported responses were:
- 94% said they were more likely to spend more time with their pets.
- 91% said they were more likely to maintain their pets’ health, including regular veterinary check-ups.
- 88% said they were more likely to provide high-quality nutrition.
- 91% said they were more likely to take better care of their pet overall.
Owners with the strongest bonds were also more likely to have a veterinarian, at 94% compared with 86%, and keep up with vaccinations, at 84% compared with 77%.
The findings reflect reported intentions and associations. They do not establish that awareness alone caused improvements in pet care.
Rental Housing Remains a Barrier
Support for pet-inclusive policies extended across public spaces, businesses and housing.
The survey found:
- 83% said public spaces should be pet friendly.
- 81% said they would be more likely to buy products and services from pet-friendly businesses.
- 80% supported fewer restrictions on pets in rental housing.
Housing remained an obstacle for people considering ownership. According to the supplied findings, 29% of prospective owners worried about finding pet-friendly housing, while 27% of renters cited housing restrictions as the reason they did not have a pet.
“HABRI is showing how deeply the human-animal bond is woven into our lives, which is why we need to help ensure that the benefits are available to all,” Feldman added. “The survey points to clear ways we can better support that bond, including making society more pet-inclusive and helping new and existing pet owners to prepare for and enjoy an enriching life with pets.”
The US findings place companionship and emotional support at the centre of pet ownership, while identifying housing access and support for responsible care as priorities for a more pet-inclusive society.
Leave a comment