8 Ways Pets Improve Our Lives, from Companionship to Grief Support

Whether you're a dog lover, a cat enthusiast, or someone who finds solace in the gentle presence of a fish tank, pets can bring endless joy, companionship, and a sense of purpose into our lives. For many, they are a source of comfort during tough times, helping to ease feelings of grief and loneliness. Here are eight ways pets make life better, tips on ensuring they’re cared for when you’re gone, and unique ways to honor their memory. 

1. Pets Bring Us Joy and Comfort 

Is there anything better than your dog’s happy tail wag or your cat purring on your lap on a chilly evening? Pets add warmth and joy to our lives in countless ways. Our connection with them is unique — they greet us enthusiastically, snuggle up after a long day, and can turn any ordinary moment into something special. While pets are a big responsibility, for most, the joy they bring far outweighs the effort of caring for them.

2. Pet Ownership Is Common and Rewarding  

Over 62 percent of Americans own at least one pet, around 35 percent own more than one, but nearly all — 97 percent — consider them part of the family. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national bill for pet ownership, including food, toys, medical care, boarding, and grooming was $136.8 billion in a recent year. 

3. Pets Can Reduce Stress  

Did you know that owning a pet can be good for your heart — literally? Studies, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), show that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduced stress. Interacting with a pet, like petting a dog or watching fish swim in a tank, can trigger the release of calming hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. These interactions create a positive feedback loop that makes you feel more relaxed and at peace. So, whether it's your cat curling up beside you or a dog eagerly greeting you at the door, your pet is more than just cute — they contribute to your overall well-being.

4. Pets Add Routine to Our Lives  

Pets thrive on structure, and as a result, they help us maintain a consistent daily routine. For example, a dog that needs morning walks encourages its owner to get out of bed and start the day with fresh air and exercise. Cats, too, can offer a sense of routine by reminding us (sometimes quite insistently) when it's mealtime. This sense of purpose and regularity can be a grounding force in our daily lives, especially when dealing with the loss of a loved one. 

5. Pets Help You Stay Active  

When you have a pet, staying active becomes second nature. Whether it’s a daily walk with your dog, a game of fetch, or even playtime with a curious kitten, pets can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like play. Studies show that pet owners are generally more active than non-pet owners, burning more calories simply by interacting with their animals. These activities particularly benefit older adults, improving physical and mental health.

6. Pets Offer Companionship, Especially in Isolation  

Loneliness can negatively affect well-being, especially in older adults and people who live alone. Even a simple interaction with your pet — like a soft meow, a wagging tail, or a cheerful chirp — can remind you that you are not alone. For older adults, having a pet can be a powerful antidote to loneliness and social isolation, offering a sense of connection and purpose. Having a pet can also motivate you to explore new activities and meet different people. Dog owners often find themselves discovering new parks or joining dog-friendly meet-up groups, making building an active lifestyle and community easier.

7. Pets Can Ease Grief  

During times of loss, pets can provide much-needed comfort. They help maintain a sense of routine — like morning walks or mealtimes — and offer unconditional love when you need it most. Their presence can be a source of solace and normalcy during turbulent times, helping you navigate the challenges of grief. 

For many people, caring for a pet during a loss can be a lifeline, offering a sense of responsibility and purpose when everything else feels uncertain. Whether it's a quiet moment of companionship or the reminder of a familiar routine, pets can help us feel anchored, even amid sadness.

8. Some Pets Have Jobs

Pets go beyond companionship — many serve as vital support for their owners. Service animals are specially trained to perform tasks that assist people with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities. Emotional support animals provide comfort and emotional support for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Unlike emotional support animals, therapy animals are trained to interact with multiple people, providing comfort and support in hospitals, nursing homes, funeral homes, or schools. 

Planning for Your Pet’s Future Care  

As a pet owner, planning for your pet's future care is essential. You might have plans for when you go on vacation, but what if something more serious happens? Who will care for your pet if you are hospitalized or incapacitated? And what will happen to them when you pass away? Securing their future is a crucial part of being a responsible pet owner.

Here are suggestions for ensuring your pet’s care when you cannot: 

Set Up a Pet Trust

While you cannot leave money directly to your pet, a pet trust can provide for their care, keeping, and medical needs. It ensures that your pet will be cared for according to your wishes. This is especially important for long-lived pets like birds or tortoises, which may outlive their owners by many years.

Choose a Caregiver

Select a trusted individual to care for your pet and make financial provisions in your will or beneficiary savings account. This person should understand your pet's needs and be willing to take on the responsibility. Make sure to have a detailed plan for how you want your pet to be looked after, put it in writing, and share it with the essential people in your life.

Memorializing Your Pet: Urns, Jewelry, and More  

Losing a pet is never easy, but there are meaningful ways to keep their memory close. Memorializing a pet can bring comfort and serve to honor your pet’s memory. Here are a few ideas.

Urns

Pet urns come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to choose one that best represents your pet's personality. From simple, elegant designs to personalized options with photos and engravings, urns provide a way to keep your pet’s ashes in a special place.

Memorial Jewelry

Wearing a piece of memorial jewelry that contains a small portion of your pet’s ashes, fur, or even their name engraved can be a comforting way to keep their memory close. Lockets, pendants, and bracelets can hold a small portion of ashes, serving as a cherished keepsake.

Photo Keepsakes

Personalized photo frames, engraved stones, or shadow boxes featuring your pet's collar or favorite toy can make beautiful tributes for their resting place or a special corner in your home.

Custom Artwork

Many artists specialize in creating realistic or stylized representations of pets in portraits or sculptures, allowing you to capture their unique spirit. You can also get a memorial tattoo with a small portion of their cremated remains. 

Pets Give Us So Much

Pets enrich our lives in countless ways, offering love, comfort, and companionship. By planning for their care and finding special ways to remember them, we can honor the bond we share long after they’re gone.